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A New Industry, 



Raising the Angora Goat, and Mohair, for Profit, 

Embracing the Historical, Commercial, and Practical Features of the 

Industry'; together with Notes from a number of Practical 

Breeders giving their experience in handling the 

animal; with Tables showing the great 

Profit in Rotising the Angora., or Mohair, Goa.t, 



A number of Letters from Farmers, and I^anchmcn, in Iowa, Oregon, California, and 
other States, concerning the utility of the Angora Goat in 

Clearing Brushy Land, and How the Work is Done. 



WITH A COMPLETE MANUAL UPON THE 



Care and Marvag'emervt of Goats, 

AND 

How to Gra-de Up the Common MexicaLn,,Gg^t, 



Append i.:^" ' ;'** { ': ;*•.•:* .*.:*.* :*'••. 

Containing a Paper on the celebrated "Cashmere Goat" of Asia; the "Llama" and 

"Alpaca" of Peru, in South America; the "Rocky Mountain Goat" 

of the United States, and the "Ibex" of Asia. 



TOGETHER WITH A FORMULA FOF 



Dressing the Angora. Goat Skin 



JD OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION CONCERNING 
THE INDUSTRY. 



Fully Illustrated, 



WM. L. BLACK, OF TEXAS. 




FORT WORTH, 
TEXAS. 



LStorarv «rf Conyresa 

0T>5-j^''*' Copies Receivfd 
DEC 1 1900 



nasi copy. 



Coi'ykh;ht, 1900, 

liY 
Wm. L. IJl.AfJK. 



Imperfect 

Claim. 



TO 

THOSE KNTEKPRISING AND PERSEVERING CITIZENS 

OF THE 

UN.TED STATES OP AMERICA, 

WHO, WITHOUT GOVERNMENTAIi ASSLSTANCB, HAVE I>AID THE 

FOUNDATION FOR A BRANCH 

TO OU R 

AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY, 

IS THP: raising of the angora goat, and MOHAIR, 

WHICH PROMISES TO BE 

OF GREAT 

NATIONAL BENEFIT, 

THIS WORK IS RESPECTFUr.LY DEDICATED 

BY THE 

AUTHOR. 



Table of Contents. 



PAGE 

Introdtjctor3- remarks i oo 

HISTORICAL. 

CHAP. 

I. When. -R-here and how, did the Angora goat originate... 25 

II. The Prorince of Angora .31 

III. Distrbution of the Angora goat into other countries.... 34 

IV. Character of the earlj^ Angora goat 40 

V. Introduction of the Angora goat into the United States. 45 

VI. Subsequent importatons into the United States 48 

\ II. Spread of the Angora goat industr}' throughout the 

various States and Territories .. 52 

VIII. Census of .Angora goats in the United States 103 

IX. "Why the industrv' has made such slow progress in the 

United States and what we can expect in the future. 10.9 
X. Concerning the manufacture of Mohair in Asia Minor, 

England and the United States 117 

COMMERCIAL. 

XL Where to sell ]\Ioh&ir and how it is graded 135 

XII. How to prepare Mohair for market 145 

XIII. The trade in -Angora goat skins and how to prepare 

them for market 147 

XIV. Concentrating upon one market 151 

XV. Angora venison, as a salable product 154 

XAT'I. Is there any danger from over-production 15.9 

XA^II. Tarif? on Mohair, live goats, and .\ngora skins ItJl 

PRACTICAL. 

XA^III. The science of breeding, our past experience, and 
the result of crossing the common goat with the 

Angora 173 

XIX. Cross breeding, or how to grade tip the Mexican goat. . 243 



Index to Illustrations — Continued. 



IT^TE PAGt: 

XXIII. Group of thoroughbred Angora goats (Ham & Baylor). SO'T 

XXIV. Two thoroughbred bucks and one doe (.Hani & Baylor).. 311 
XXV. Thoroughbred Angora buck (Hughes) ol-t 

XXVI. Thoroughbred three-year-old doe (Hughes) 315 

XXVII. Angora buck, twenty-one months old (Arnold) 31T 

XXVIII. A group of yearling Angora goats (Fuchs) 321 

XXIX. A group of thoroughbred Angora does (Houck) 325 

XXX. Thoroughbred Angora doe, yearling and kid (Conk- 

Hn Bros.- 32^ 

XXXI. Group of Angora goats (Hightower) 333 

XXXII. Yearling Angora Buck (Taylor) 335 

XXXIII. ihoroughbred Angora does, twenty-one months old 

(Standley) 337 

XXXIV. Flock of thoroughbred Angora goats (Harris) 341 

XXXV. Group of thoroughbred Angora goats (.Harris) 345 

XXXVI. Thoroughbred Angora kids, after weaning (Harris) 385 

XXXVII. A doe bringing her kid to camp 398 

_XXXVIII. Dug out 132 

XXXIX. Portable camping outtit 170 

XLf. Cashmere (doe) goat 454 

XLI. Rocky Mountain goat? 4t)2 

XLII. Group of Alpacas 4t)l) 

XLIII. Ibex 480 




TWO PRETTY KIDS, 
I'roiu fi iihotii.nraph ta:;e'.i cii thf raiiclie (if the author. 



PREFACE. 

When this work was commenced, in the early part of 1899, 
it was for the purpose of supplying a demand for information 
from farmers in the Northern states, whose attention had been 
called to the Angora Goat as a Brush Exterminator. They had 
heard of the wonderful saving of labor in clearing away briers, 
and brush, by the use of this animal, and many were anxious 
to purchase some, but were totally ignorant of their habits, and 
how to breed them. The great call for information, touching 
these questions prompted me to write a complete manual, 
through which a stranger might understand how they are han- 
dled ; and, as I pursued my work, I learned of the existence of a 
non-shedding type of Angora, as well as a hornless variety, 
which I considered to be of such importance to the old breeders 
in the industry that I determined to delay its publication until 
I could investigate more fully into the merit of the matter. I 
distributed a large number of question-blanks over all the States, 
that had been raising them, asking breeders if they had ever 
observed any such types of goats in their flocks, and, am pleased! 
to say, I have received an abundance of testimony as to the 
existence of the same, and I feel quite sure that the discovery 
will be received with great delight by all who are interested in 
this new industry, particularly the non-shedding type ; 
for, if there is any one objectionable part to the 
raising of the Angora goat, it is the unfortunate feature 
of casting its hair so early in the spring, necessitating the early 
shearing of the animal to prevent the loss of the valuable fleece, 
which so often results in the death of many from a sudden change 
of weather, or a cold, rainy, season. 

Col. Richard Peters, of Georgia, always maintained that, 
the most serious objection he had ever experienced with the 
Angora Goat, was its tendency to shed its fleece too early in 
the spring. 



If they can be made to retain their fleece as securely as 
the sheep does, so as to admit of shearing at the pleasure of the 
breeder, a great drawback in the industry will be overcome. 
That such a type as non-shedding Angoras exist, there can be 
no doubt ; and, whether it has been produced by a freak of nature 
or has been evolved through the action of the American climate, 
or by crossing with our short-haired varieties, I cannot say. I 
realize the importance of the changed condition of the animal, 
and feel certain that all old breeders will rejoice to hear of it. 

The hornless variety is another valuable type ; and, although 
not at all new, has been entirely overlooked by most breeders. 
The horns of an animal were undoubtedly provided by a wise 
Creator, as a means of defence ; and, in a wild state, are very 
useful, and necessary; but, in a domestic condition, they are a 
very decided objection in many respects, and should be removed. 

The advantages of ho7'nlcss stock are so well known it is 
hardly necessary that I should dwell on the subject. 

It was to be able to show, by the testimony of practical 
breeders, of the existence of these tv/o new varieties of mohair- 
producing goats (which I have arranged under appropriate 
headings), and to secure some photographs of representative 
American goats, showing their full fleece, that compelled me to 
delay the publication of my work, which I am sure will be more 
generally useful now than it would otherwise have been. 

I regret that many of the breeders were unable to supply 
me with photographs of their goats, and that so few of those 
I received show a full year's growth, which is due to shearing 
twee a year, a custom that, unfortunately, seems to prevail 
largely with the breeders of our finest animals. Such as I have 
received, however, will afford a very good illustration of the 
great improvement that has been made since the introduction 
Mof the animal to this country. 

WM. L. BLACK. 

Fort McKavett, Texas, June, 1900. 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

I shall not undertake to investigate very closely into the 
origin of the Angora goat. 

This has been attempted by a number of writers, in the 
past, and there seems to be as much doubt, today, as to how 
the animal originated, as there is about the origin of man. Some 
writers believe that the Angora and sheep were, at one time, 
very closely related to each other ; but, if they ever were, there 
must have been a serious rupture in their family relations at 
some time or other, for they have not been known to mix with 
each other for many centuries. 

Others claim that it originated from the "Ibex," an animal 
resembling the goat in some respects ; but I am not willing to 
accept this theory, either, for the reason that, the period of gesta- 
tion with the "Ibex" is only ninety days, while with the Angora 
it is about 150, and I can't well understand how there can be 
any close family relationship between the two. 

Another school of naturalists claim that the Angora sprang 
from the "Wild Goat," or Pesang of the Persians, an animal 
found in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, resembling 
the domestic goat very closely. A wiia goat is also found in the 
Rocky mountains of America, which is no doubt of the same 
family as the Asiatic wild goat. 

Judging from the looks of the two animais, the "Ibex" and 
the "Wild Goat," I think it more than likely that the Angora 
goat originated from the latter; but, I confess my entire ig- 
norance of the subject; and, it seems to me, it is of very little 
consequence how the human family have come into possession 
of this animal. 

We know we have a goat, known to the commercial world 
as the "Angora," and, whether this particular species belongs 
to the family, called by naturalists, the Capra acgagnis, or the 
Capra hircus, makes but very little difiference, as far as I can 



12 A Neiv Industry. 

see. It is an interesting study, I admit, but there's no money 
in it, and I shall leave the question to minds more scientific 
than my own to determine, and will endeavor to show my read- 
ers the practical value of the Angora Goat in a purely business 
sense. 

I shall place in my appendix correct photographs of the 
"Ibex," and "Wild Goat," with a full description of their general 
make-up, habits, etc., and my readers can form their own conclu- 
sion ; and, by way of assisting them to reach this conclusion, 
I refer to the following authorities : 

Jno. L. Hayes, L. L. D., "Angora Goat, Its Origin and 
Culture." 

J. G. Wood, "Natural History." 

R. Ramsay Wright, Ph. D., "Riverside Natural History." 

Lydekker, "The Royal National History." 

Mr. S. C. C. Schreiner, of South Africa, has more recently 
(1898) published a work through Messrs. Longmans Green 
& Co., of New York, which is perhaps as complete upon this 
subject as it is possible to make it. Mr. Schreiner has undoubt- 
edly made a very close study of this matter, and has quoted from 
all the authorities I have named, as well as others. He also 
gives a most interesting account of the Angora goat industry 
in South Africa, and I can commend his book as being one of 
the most painstaking, with reference to the origin of the animal, 
of any I have ever read on this subject. 

My first experience with goats began in the year of 1876 
in the State of Texas. 

In connection with raising sheep, I learned that Mexican 
herders preferred to eat goat rather than sheep, and being much 
the cheaper animal of the two, I purchased a small flock for 
the purpose of supplying my herders with fresh meat. 

About the year 1881: my attention was called to the Angora 
as being a superior breed, and possessing greater commercial 
value than the common species {Mexican), which I had on hand. 
I found out that I could very easily grade up my common goats 
by introducing full-blooded Angora sires; and I therefore pur- 
chased from Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta, Georgia, eight 
males and four females, which cost me close to $750 delivered 



Introdncfory Remarks. ij 

at my ranch, or about $60 for each goat. This appeared to me as 
being an enormous price to pay for goats, but the investment 
turned out a very good one. In a few years I had improved my 
flock to a condition which justified me in shearing, and I then 
commenced to enjoy a revenue which I had never counted on; 
for, in addition to supplying my ranch with an abundance of 
fresh meat, I received, annually, quite a handsome return from 
mohair, and my goats increased so rapidly that, in 1892, I had 
upwards of eight thousand, head of well-graded Angoras, many 
of them being very superior. I figured that unless I could thin 
out my stock of goats they would very soon overrun my ranch ; 
disease and poverty would occasionally thin out my sheep and 
cattle, but my goats seemed to be proof against these two power- 
ful elements, for it was only once in a while that a few old does 
would die from extreme old age. I inquired of a personal ac- 
quaintance, who was engaged in the meat packing business, if 
he would purchase a thousand fat wether goats ; but he declined 
to do so, and explained to me that goat meat was not at all 
fashionable ; and, although he knew it was quite as good as 
sheep, he could not venture to slaughter them in large numbers 
until the people had overcome their prejudice for it. 

I knew I could dispose of them in a retail way, in the small 
towns in Texas, but the expense, and annoyance, attending this 
plan was too great for me to attempt, so I determined to slaugh- 
ter them myself for their hides and tallow, and put up the meat 
in hermetically sealed tin cans. I procured the necessary 
machinery for this purpose and slaughtered 3000 head that year 
(1893), and in 1894 I slaughtered 4000 more, which reduced my 
number to a more reasonable size. I realized from the sale of 
canned meat, tallow and hides (the latter I had dressed for 
making into rugs and robes), about $3.00 to the animal, and, 
considering the fact that I had never regarded the goat branch 
of my ranch interests as being of any importance, I was well 
pleased with this result. I found no difficulty, whatever, in find- 
ing ready sale for my dressed skins, selling as many as one 
thousand to a single wholesale house in Chicago ; and, the 
brokers through whom I placed my tallow have been exceed- 



1 4 A Nezv Industry. 

ingly anxious to receive more ever since. They reported to 
me it was of a superior character, and would command a pre- 
mium over ordinary tallow for making fine candles. 

In 1896 my goats had again increased to a considerable 
number, and I concluded, rather than resume my slaughtering 
operation, to dispose of my surplus stock to others who might 
be disposed to engage in raising them. I had become very 
much interested in the beautiful little animal ; and, from investi- 
gation, was convinced that the United States was better adapted 
to the propagation of this class of livestock than any other part 
of the world, not excepting Turkey in Asia, where, it is sup- 
posed, they originated. 

It is true. South Africa has made greater headway in breed- 
ing them than we have, but this can be very easily explained, and I 
shall probably refer to this matter later on. We have had ample 
time to test the merits of our climate, and the opinion of manu- 
facturers is that American-raised mohair is fully equal, if not 
superior, to any that is produced in either Asia or South Africa. 
Some of them claim that the American product makes a smooth- 
er fabric, but of course our entire clip will not do this, for the 
reason that many of our flocks are only partly graded ; but the 
higher grades of American goats will bear comparison with 
the best in the world, not only as to quality, but in their shearing 
capacity as well. In addition to this, our goats have never de- 
veloped any disease, while in both Asia and South Africa (which, 
by the way, are the only parts of the world where the Angora 
goat is raised, outside of our own country), they have suffered 
serious losses from pleuro-pneumonia, scab and other diseases. 
In Mr. Schreiner's work, on the Goat industry in South Africa, 
he makes especial reference to the "Pleuro-Pneumonia Epi- 
demic in the Cape Colony," upon page 219, of his book, and 
believing it to be of some interest to the breeders in the United 
States, to know the history of this epidemic, and how it was 
finally controlled, I shall take the liberty of copying it in full, 
which may be seen under the head of "Diseases." 

In view of the foregoing facts,Iconsidereditacrime upon my 
part to put the knife to animals which I believed could be made 



Introductory Remarks. 75 

so useful and valuable to others ; particularly when there was 
such a limited number of them in this country, and the cost of 
importing- them was out of all reason. I, therefore, decided to 
publish a little booklet, setting forth some of the advantages of 
the goat industry, and calling upon farmers in the Northern 
States to take advantage of the opportunity offered them in this 
new, and valuable, industry. It was not long before I had a 
number of inquiries, asking all manner of questions ; whether 
they would live in a cold climate; what kind of fence was neces- 
sary to hold them, etc., etc. 

In the early part of 1897, Dr. J. R. Standley, of Platteville, 
Iowa, visited my ranch for the purpose of interesting me in 
shipping some into his State to be sold at pubhc auction. He 
explained to me that he had succeeded in clearing about 500 
acres of his farm that had been covered so densely with brush, 
as to be practically worthless until he began running goats upon 
it, and it was now the finest portion of his farm, being well set 
with blue grass, and perfectly free from brush and weeds. He 
was well satisfied I could dispose of all the goats I would send 
there, and the fact of his having traveled upwards of fifteen 
hundred miles to see me, and his great enthusiasm on the sub- 
ject, gave me confidence to make the experiment; and I at once 
entered into an agreement to ship one thousand goats to be 
sold at auction on his farm. Our sale took place in July and was 
entirely satisfactory. 

In the fall, of the same year, I made him a second shipment 
of one thousand, which were sold in December. The following 
year (1898) I concluded I could not repeat my shipments in 
such large numbers, and determined to wait until the purchasers 
of my goats, at the "Standley sales,'' had had sufficient time to 
prove the value of them, fully expecting to be able to sell all that 
I cared to, from the introduction I had made. In this, I was not 
disappointed, having reduced my individual holdings to one 
flock of about a thousand head, and have had to purchase a great 
many from my neighbors to fill the orders I have received. From 
the time that Dr. Standley first visited me in 1897 I have shipped 
upwards of fifteen thousand goats to the state of Iowa alone ; 



i6 A New Industry. 

and have had inquiries enough from farmers in that State and 
others to absorb every Angora goat there is in the United 
States. 

I commenced selhng at $3.00 per head, because it paid 
me a fair profit in raising them ; but, very few ranchmen were 
situated Hke myself ; and, when asked to sell their smaller flocks, 
they put a price on them that made it impossible for me to con- 
tinue my sales at that low figure. I knew, furthermore, that 
it would be impossible to find enough graded goats to meet the 
demand that was springing up all over the country, and this gave 
rise to the idea which prompted me in writing this book. I 
realized, if the farmers of the United States expected to engage 
in the Angora goat industry they would have to begin at the 
bottom like we all had done, and grade up the smooth-haired 
goat. We have an abundance of full-blooded males to stock 
the entire country, but the Mexican female must be used as a 
foundation if we expect to build up the industry in any reason- 
able time. This was the course pursued in South Africa, except 
that they used the Boer goat instead of the Mexican, which 
are practically the same class of stock, strong and vigorous, 
with smooth hair ; and it was followed in Turkey, to a large ex- 
tent, as soon as the demand for mohair exceeded the annual 
supply, which took place between 1860 and 1870. Mr. Schreiner 
refers to this in the following language : 

"The European demand for mohair became so great, that it was im- 
possible for Asia Minor (which practically had a monopoly of the trade 
till the early seventies) to meet it merely by the normal increase of the 
pure Angora goats. It was therefore necessary quickly to obtain a 
more rapid increase in the number of i.aohair goats than could be ob- 
tained through the normal increase of the pure Angoras; and, at the 
same time, a larger area of country was essential for the production of 
the amount of mohair required. 

"To secure these ends the Turkish farmers resorted to grading up 
the common ewes by means of in-breedirg to Angora rams. The mo- 
hair demand being so great, in proportion to the supply, quality ceased 
to be the first essential; weight of fleece was required and a large num- 
ber of goats. * * * With this end in view, crossing became very 
general, and was so persisted in that in the early sixties the original 
pure Angora was becoming very scarce. * * * By its means, en- 



Introductory Remarks. ij 

tirely new districts were rapidly populated, indeed such a hold had this 
method of increasing the numbers of the mohair goat obtained on the 
Turkish farmers, and so eager were they to avail themselves of it, that, 
not content with introducing Angora rams into flocks of Kurd ewes in 
outsides districts, they actually imported the Kurd ewes into the very 
center of the mohair region — the home of the pure Angora — and, put- 
ting them to Angora rams, graded them up there." 

It is very popular with American farmers to want the very 
best class of stock that can be obtaineu, and I recognize this a-; 
being true economy not only in live stock but in all kinds of 
farming machinery, as well as in manufactured goods for home 
use. I think it will justify paying a very high premium to get 
well-improved Angora goats rather than begin on the smooth- 
haired Mexican — but, if these cannot be had, there is no other 
remedy than to begin with the low grade. We have reached a 
point in the United States similar to that which existed in Tur- 
key, between 1860 and 1870, with the exception that, the demand 
in this country calls for goats to exterminate brush, in place of 
supplying a larger amount of mohair. The common goat will 
answer the purpose we need them for, even better than the 
Angora, from the fact they are stronger bodied, and are not 
burdened with long hair, which is often torn out on the brush 
when feeding. 

In my chapter referring to Cross Breeding I shall give pho- 
tographs showing the dififerent grades of Angoras, which will 
convey a fair idea of the rapid change that can be made in these 
common goats. There is perhaps no animal that will stamp 
his progeny so decidedly as the Angora goat will ; and, it is only 
necessary to get full-blooded males to be able to build up a good 
flock of shearing goats in a very few years. 

Referring again to Dr. Standley's work of clearing land, I 
shall procure and place a photograph of the land he cleared 
of hazel brush, imder my chapter on "Clearing Brush 
Land, and How the Work Is Done." It is well worth 
a trip to the farm of this gentleman, in Taylor County, 
Iowa, to see the marvellous change that was made in 
two years' time by the aid of goats. Up to the very edge of 
the wire fence, dividinsf his land from a neighbor's, the Doctor's 



18 A Nezv Industry. 

land is finely set in blue grass, while not a blade can be seen 
(or any other kind of grass) on the other side. When I first 
visited this farm it was a revelation to me. I always knew the 
goat would eat brush, but I had no idea it could be turned to 
such a useful purpose as Dr. Standley's work will demonstrate ; 
and, no better evidence than a personal visit to his farm is needed 
to convince the most skeptical that the goat is the best land 
grubber on earth. He will not only destroy the brush, but will 
enrich and tramp the soil more thoroughly than any other 
aunnal can possibly do, wliich is so essential in producing a 
fine stand of blue grass ; and, he will thoroughly remove all 
noxious weeds as well. 

The Doctor tells a very interesting story on one of his 
acquaintances who was rather doubtful about the value of the 
goat. It was, I think, at one of the annual State fairs in Iowa, 
and, if I may be excused for digressing a little, I want here, to 
commend the Iowa system of fairs over any I have ever at- 
tended. Instead of coming and going every day, farmer? come 
prepared to camp out for a week, or as long as they care to re- 
main. A certain part of the ground is set apart for campers, 
and V6i*y nicely arranged hotels are provided for those who 
are not prepared to "camp." The officers are on the ground 
night and day, during the period of the fair, and an exhibitor 
can transact any business he may have with them, without the 
slightest trouble. I had the pleasure of visiting these grounds 
in the fall of 1897, and took with me a lot of rugs and robes, 
to show the people what some of the by-products of the Angora 
goat looked like. I had a number of skins in their natural shape, 
and others cut into shape for floor rugs and buggy mats. In 
my exhibit I had a rug arranged with a large wolf skin, in the 
center, which attracted considerable attention. I also took with me 
■500 head of goats (the first that many of the visitors had ever 
seen), and, while I was there, a drizzling rain had made the 
race track very heavy, and the superintendent asked me if I 
would allow my goats to be driven around the track to tramp 
it and put it in better condition for the races in the afternoon. 
This was an entirely new departure from old customs, and I 



Introductory Remarks. iq- 

did not know whether my Texas goats would relish it or not. 
I was afraid they might become scared at the multitude of 
people, yelling and shouting, as they usually do on such oc- 
casions ; and the bands of music were also a new thing to my 
country goats ; but I told the supermtendent that I would have 
the herder try the experiment, which proved to be very suc- 
cessful. They walked around the track a number of times, and 
seemed to enjoy the notoriety they were creating quite a good 
deal, and the races went on as usual. It was at one of these 
fairs that Dr. Standley was telling some of his friends of the 
wonderful work the little goat had done for him in clearing 
his land ; and when he told them of the splendid stand of blue 
grass he had now in place of a hazel-brush thicket two years 

before, a Mr. — . — . of county, who also 

owned a quantity of hazel-brush land, quietly remarked : "Doc- 
tor, are you not putting that a little too strong?" The Doctor 
was surprised, and, very naturally, nettled at this lemark; and, 
after recovering from astonishment at having^ his statement 

doubted, he replied : "Mr. , it will only cost you 

about $10 to make a personal inspection of the land I have 
been telling about, and you can return here by tomorrow's 
train ; now, I will make you this proposition : if you do not 
find that I have stated the matter correctly, and fairly, I will 
return you every dollar you expend on the trip, including your 
board and lodging." The gentleman accepted the offer, and 
upon his return to the fair the following day. Dr. Standley 

asked him how much he owed him. Mr. replied : 

"Not one cent. Doctor, you did not tell it half as strong as you 
should have done."' 

-^ I believe that Dr. Standley has done more in the way of 
bringing the Angora goat into prominence and favor than any 
individual in the United States. Many men before him have 
owned goats, and great credit is due to Col. Richard Peters, 
of Atlanta, Georgia, who was so impressed with the importance 
of the industry to this country as to pay to Dr. Davis of South 
Carolina (who was the first to bring any Angora goats into 
the United States), $1000 each for all the pure-bred goats he 



-20 A Nczv Industry. 

had. An investment of $1000 in a little goat calls for consider- 
able nerve, and Col. Peters may be justly called the "Father 
of the Angora goat industry in the United States," for in all 
probability if he had not become interested in them they 
would have been scattered and soon died out. Mr. Jno. S. 
Harris, of Oakley, Idaho, is likewise entitled to great credit. 
This gentleman took a deep interest in the Angora goat very 
early, and made a voyage to Asia in 1875 for the purpose of 
bringing back some pure-bred stock. He reached America the 
following year (1876) with twelve head, after having had an 
endless amount of trouble in getting them out of Asia Minor, 
and they cost him over $500 each before he landed them at his 
ranch in this country. 

There are many other gentlemen in Texas, California and 
Oregon that are entitled to credit in having given a start to 
the industry, among whom I recall the names of Parish, Devine, 
Haupt, Fink, Arnold, Landrum, and Bailey, some of whom are 
still engaged in the business. Many others are equally entitled 
to credit, but I do not think there are any who have shown 
to the world how this animal can be made use of as profitably 
as Dr. J. R. Standley, of Platteville, Iowa, has. His work is 
worth millions of dollars to the State of Iowa, and will result 
in great benefit to every State in the Union where brush and 
weeds are ruining pasture lands. 

The brush question is a most serious one in a great many 
of our states. As long- as land can be kept under cultivation 
brush can be kept down, but when it is once thrown open to 
pasture, briars, and brush of all description begin to grow, and 
soon covers the entire surface. Even in our own State of Texas 
many millions of acres, in the west, are growing up into brush 
thickets, which will, sooner or later, become worthless for pastur- 
ing cattle ; and, in many of the western territories the same condi- 
tions exist. It is supposed that this has been produced by an 
increase in rainfall ; but, I am inclined to think it is not alto- 
gether due to this cause. That brush and trees are indigenous 
to many of our, so-called, arid districts can be very easily proven 
by the great quantities of roots the present inhabitants dig out 
of the ground for fuel purposes. Not a tree can be seen for hun- 



■^^ 



Introductory Remarks. 2r 

dreds of miles, yet these great roots can be found almost every- 
where, on the prairies, and are a substantial witness to the fact 
that there were an abundance of trees there at some time or 
other. Before this portion of the United States was occupied 
by the white race, it was a common practice of the Indians to 
burn the high prairie grass every fall, or winter, in order to 
hunt wild game that was very abundant. Buffalo and deer, were 
as common then as cattle, and sheep, are now, but the grass 
was so high, in places, they could not be seen, and the Indian 
would burn it off to be able to hunt them more readily. This, 
undoubtedly, destroyed much of the growth of trees ; and, in 
my opinion, is the trvie explanation of the roots that are now 
found in many parts of west Texas, New Mexico and other 
western territories. 

The question is a very important one, and if the Angora 
goat can be used to keep this growth back it is certainly well 
worth the attention of many of our land owners, who may, in a 
few years, find their land practically worthless. A personal 
friend writes me that : "Many pastures are growing up to 
oak brush, and hazel brush, in the north ; and in New England 
they are bothered with ferns (called brakes), berry bushes, black- 
berries, raspberries, etc." This kind of fare would be "peaches 
and cream" to a goat, and in a year or two the owner would be 
relieved of a great nuisance, the goat would grow fat, and the 
land would be restored to a proper condition for grazing other 
stock on it. 

Another correspondent in Massachusetts speaks of a certain 
small island he owned which v/as so densely covered with brush 
as to be utterly valueless except to grow mosquitoes. I hear 
of many parts of the East that are seriously troubled with brush, 
where many thousands of acres are of no use for grazing pur- 
poses, and the profit in farming will not justify the cost of grub- 
bing it. In the Southern States many farms have become worn 
out, and are growing up into brush and weeds. In Dr. James B. 
Davis' report to our government, after he had made his first 
importation of Angora goats from Turkey, he makes use of the 
following language with reference to brush in the Southerr 
States. 



.22 A Nezv Industry. 

"The want of calcareousness in nearly all of the soils of the Southern 
States, together with the heat of our sun, makes an inaptitude to peren- 
nial grasses for grazing animals, hence more suitable for browsing, as 
both tend to originate shrubbery and weeds." 

The Angora goat is the proper animal to employ to put 
these lands in a proper condition either for cultivating or grazing 
cattle. But a number of my correspondents have asked me 
what they could do with the goats after they had cleared their 
land. In reply to this, I will say they can well afford to slaughter 
them and feed them to their hogs, but this will not be necessary 
now. The fashion has changed since I slaughtered goats for 
their hide and tallow, and there is no trouble now in selling all 
the goats you send to any of our large meat packing markets. 
I shall refer to this subject more particularly under a proper 
heading, as well as to show the great profit in the incidental or 
by-products of the animal. 



Historica-l Facets 



Coi\cern.ing tKe Angora^ Goa-t 



and 



Ma^nuf QLctur e of MoKa^ir. 



24 




CHAPTER I. 

WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW, DID THE ANGORA GOAT ORIGINATE. 

The exact time, or period, when the Angora goat first 
originated has never been ascertained. 

We have an abundance of testimony in the Bible of the 
existence of goats, at a very early period of the world (1800 B. 
C), see Genesis, xxvii, 9, but as to whether they were the same 
class as we now call "Angora" or not, is altogether a matter 
of conjecture. The account given of them rather leads to the 
impression that they were of a different character entirely; for, 
they are, generally, referred to as producing hair (Exodus, xxv, 
4), and that they did not shear them (I Samuel, xxv, 2). 

But, upon the other hand, we read in Exodus, xxxvi, 14, 
"* * * And he made curtains of goats' hair, for the tent, 
over the tabernacle * * *" ; and, again in Numbers, xxxi, 20 
"* * * And purify all your raiment, and all that is made of 
skins, and all work of goats' -hair ''' * *", which rather leads 
one to think it was fine enough to be woven into cloth, for 
wearing apparel. But, it will be observed, Moses does not s.ay 
raiment of goats' hair, but 7vork of goats' hair, which may have 
been some kind of coarse material like the curtains over the 
tabernacle are likely to have been made of. 

This opinion is, to some extent, confirmed in Leviticus, 
xiii, 47, where he says: "* '^^ * Whether it be a woolen 
garment, or a linen garment * * *," which conveys the im- 
pression that goats' hair was not used for wearing apparel, or 
it would have been mentioned with wool, and linen ; for Moses 
was giving out a law concerning the "cleansing of a leper", and if 
the people had been accustomed to use goats' hair for clothing, 
he would surely have included this kind, as well as that made 
from other material ; for, in the very next verse (Lev., xiii, 48) 



CHAPTER I. 

WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW, DID THE ANGORA GOAT ORIGINATE. 

The exact time, or period, when the x\ngora goat first 
originated has never been ascertained. 

We have an abundance of testimony in the Bible of the 
existence of goats, at a very early period of the world (1800 B. 
C), see Genesis, xxvii, 9, but as to whether they were the same 
class as we now call "Angora" or not, is altogether a matter 
of conjecture. The account given of them rather leads to th-e 
impression that they were of a different character entirely; for, 
they are, generally, referred to as producing hair (Exodus, xxv, 
4), and that they did not shear them (I Samuel, xxv, 2). 

But, upon the other hand, we read in Exodus, xxxvi, l-t, 
"* * * And he made curtains of goats' hair, for the tent, 
over the tabernacle * * '^" ; and, again in Numbers, xxxi, 20 
"* * * And purify all your raiment, and all that is made of 
skins, and all work of goats' -hair * * "■'", which rather leads 
one to think it Vi^as fine enough to be woven into cloth, for 
wearing apparel. But, it will be observed, Moses does not s.ay 
raiment of goats' hair, but work of goats' hair, which may have 
been some kind of coarse material like the curtains over the 
tabernacle are likely to have been made of. 

This opinion is, to some extent, confirmed in Leviticus, 
xiii, 47, where he says: "* * * Whether it be a woolen 
garment, or a linen garment * * *," which conveys the im- 
pression that goats' hair was not used for wearing apparel, or 
it would have been mentioned with wool, and linen ; for Moses 
was giving out a law concerning the "cleansing of a leper" , and if 
the people had been accustomed to use goats' hair for clothmg, 
he would surely have included this kind, as well as that made 
from other material ; for, in the very next verse (Lev., xiii, 48) 



2(5 A Nezv Industry. 

he specifically says : " * * "" Whether it be in the warp, or 
zvoof ; of linen, or of woolen; whether in a skin or in anythinr 
made of skiji * * ''''." 

Coming down to the Greek authors — Homer and Hesiod — 
referred to by Dr. Hayes — though frequently mentioning the 
goat, as a domestic animal, they make no allusion to any par- 
ticular race. yEHan, referring to the goats of Lycia, and the 
practice of shearing them like sheep, says, that the wool is used 
for cords and cables. Apian mentions the stuffs known under 
the name of kilikia, from Cilicia (the ancient name of the country 
in which Angora is situated), as a means of protection against 
projectiles; implying that, the goats of Cilicia were not distin- 
guished for their fineness. Virgil gives the wool of the goat 
no other destination than to serve for the necessities of the 
camp, and for the use of poor sailors. 

.__^ It was not until the year 1555 that the Angora Goat was 
distinctly made known, through Father Belon, who had travelled 
in Asia Minor, by a brief, but sufficiently characteristic de- 
scription, which has, doubtless, given rise to the popular belief 
that the animal originated in that country; but there is nothing 
whatever to support the same beyond the mere fact that the 
modern world first heard of them in the Province of An- 
gora, which is a part of Asia Minor, belonging to Turkey, and 
that they have always been known as the Angora goat. 

The argument advanced by those who maintain this belief is 
that the climate of Angora possesses some pecuhar characteris- 
tic which has produced the silky hair on the animal, and to 
strengthen their opinion, they point to the rabbit, and cat, of 
that country, Vv^hich produce the same kind of hair as this goat. 
The theory is certainly very plausible, and would be hard to 
overcome, if all the goats, rabbits and cats produced hair ex- 
actly the same ; but, it is well known, they have a low grade of 
goat, called the "Kurd" goat, which has black, coarse hair,* and 
it is not uncommon to find cats and rabbits of various colors, 



*Peglar describes the "Kurd" goat as being a black goat, rather 
larger than the white or Angora proper, the hair of which, although long 
and of a fleecy nature, being at the same time coarse in quality." 



When, Where, and Hozv, Did the Angora Goat Originate? 2/ 

of hair as well, hence, it would seem that the beautiful hair 
of the "Angora" goat, is not due to the influence of climate, 
otherwise, all the goats of Asia Minor would be afifect^fi-by^t 
alike. 

Upon the other hand, there is a breed of goat that is said 
to have existed for countless ages, in central and northern Asia, 
known as the "Cashmere," which has the same kind of hair as 
the Angora, and, to all outward appearances, is one and the 
same kind of animal. In leferring to the Cashmere goat, Dr. 
Hayes* makes use of the following language, in his work on 
"The Angora Goat, Its Origin, Culture and Products." 

"The only goat besides the Angora, which is strictly lanigerous, is 
the 'Cashmere' or 'Thibetian' goat, which abounds in Central Asia, 
but whose origin is still obscure, although it has, according to Brandt, 
affinities with the Angora race. The size of the Cashmere goat is quite' 
large; the horns are flattened, straight, and black, and slightly divergent 
at the extremities. The ears are large, fiat and pendant. Ihe primary 
hair, which is long, silky and lustrous, is divided upon the back, and 
falls down upon the flanks in wavy masses. Beneath this hair there 
is developed, in the autumn, a short <ind exceedingly fine wool, from 
which, the famous Cashmere shawls are fabricated. See Hays, page 11. 

The late Dr. James B. Davis, of Columbia, South Carolina, 
who resided for a number of years in Turkey, always claimed 
that the "Angora," the "Cashmere," "Persian" and "Circassian" 
goats were all one and the same species, changed in some re- 
spects by altitude, but little by latitude. (See U. S. Pat. Office 
Report 1853, p. 20. 

Air. ]. S. Harris, of Oakley, Idaho, who, in 18T5, visited 
Cashmere and Asia Minor for the purpose of buying some 
pure-blooded goats, is of the opmion that the i\ngora goat 
originated in Thibet. ]\Ir. Harris is, perhaps, the only resident 



*Dr. Hayes leans to the opinion that the Angora goat was introduced 
into Asia Minor at a comparatively recent period; he says: "The silence 
of the classic authors in respect to any goat with fine and white fleece 
would seem to place it beyond doubt that the progenitors of this animal 
were introduced into Asia Minor at a com.paratively recent period, when 
the country was invaded by barbarous and pastoral races, either Turks 
or Arabs." (See p. 16.) 



28 A New Industry. 

of the United States who has ever visited the Thibetian country 
in search of goats,* and his opinion is, therefore, worthy of 
great consideration upon a question of this nature. In a recent 
letter to me he says : 

"On the cars, going through Bengal, I saw a great many goats 
feeding along the road. These goats were very large muleys, with nig- 
gerish heads, and when standing, their e^.rs almost touched the ground. 
When I got up into Central India, on the borders of Punjab, I saw a 
great many goats which were low set, with small ears and cock horns, 
and had long shaggy hair. It is cold in the Punjab, in comparison with 
Bengal. When I got to Lahore, I had to stage it to Rawil-Pindee, and 
Murree, the British outposts, which is as far as any vehicle can go. From 
there I fitted out to cross the Himalaya into Cashmere. I procured a 
good interpreter, and seven, or eight men to go with me, and went into 
Cashmere by the Jhelum route, which is the head tributary of the 
Ganges. In going up the Jhelum, through the Himalaya, I met two 
English officers, coming down from the Thibets. They had a great 
many servants and coolies, loaded with trophies of the chase, and they 
told me, there were a great many Ibex, and wild goats of various kinds, 
up in the high Thibets. They showed me some of the skins, all of 
Vi'hich showed long, shaggy hair, with a heavy undercoating of fur. 
Some had long horns, and others small and spiral-shaped. 

"My attention was called to two little goats that one of the coolies 
was leading. The officer told me these were the tame goats of Bok- 
hara, and famed for their fur; they were low set, and spry little fellows, 
with delicate spiral horns; their hair was white, and shone like silver, 
and was about four inches long, with a ^■ery fine undercoating of fur. 

"It took me some eighteen days to get over the Himalaya into 
Cashmere. When I got to Srinagar, the capital, I found there were 
no goats of the shawl species kept in the vale of Cashmere. They were 
kept up in the high Thibets, even on the frontier of Siberia, and the goats 
that were kept on the highest mountains produced the finest fur. 

"I visited the Maharaja shawl factory in Srinagar, and found that 
the goats of Cashmere were not the kind I wanted; so I bouted ship 
for the sea. 

"As I came down through the Himalayas on the Barmula route, in 
crossing the Basamoolla river, I came to a Buddhist Temple. The priest 
gave me some fruit, and I gave him some money. Near to the Temple, 
I saw three or four nice little white goats, the same as I had seen 
with the English officers. I got my interpreter to inquire ol the priest 



*Hon. Israel H. Diehl visited Asia Minor, but did not go into 
Northern Asia. 



IVhcii, Where, and Hozv, Did the Angora Goat Originate? 2p 

as to their origin, and he very devoutly looked up into the heavens, 
and then bowed to the earth, and said: "The God of Buddha sent them 
down from heaven." 

"Now, I think, if the Angora goat originally came from any place, 
it was from the high Thibets, and was of the same species as the little 
white goat that I saw there. 

"Long ago, tribes of the Thibets may have been persecuted, and 
were driven, or, wandered, throvigh Persia, along the Caspian, by the 
way of Lake Van, into Asia Minor, and took along with them their 
little white goat, a native of Thibet." 

The fur, or ''pnskni," as it is technically called, which the 
'"Cashmere" produces, is evidently a growth called for by the laws 
of nature to shield the animal from the very severe cold climate 
of Cashmere, and Thibet, for, it has always occurred that, when 
any of these animals were taken to a warm climate, this fur 
disappeared in a few years. It is therefore, very reasonable to 
believe, that the Angora goat, found in Asia Minor, sprang 
from the Cashmere or Thibetian goat, and, through the action 
of the warmer climate of Turkey, the coating of the animal 
has been changed to its present character. 

It will never be known, however, with any degree of cer- 
tainty, as to when, where or how this animal originated. It 
may have been a distinct species in the beginning of creation, 
or, perhaps it came through a freak of nature, in one, or other 
of the countries just referred to. Naturalists have disputed 
over the question ever since the science of zoology was first 
understood, some claiming one theory, and others another. It 
is claimed by some that the animal is a cross between the do- 
mestic sheep and the domestic goat ; others say it sprang from 
the "Ibex," the common name of several closely allied species 
of ruminant mammals, belonging to the genus Capra, or goats, 
inhabiting the loftiest regions of Europe, Asia and Africa. And 
still another school claim that the wild goat, or Pesang, of the 
Persians (which likewise produces a long hair with the fur un- 
derneath), is the parent of the Angora.* As stated before, it 



*The great naturalist, Chas. Darwin, in his work on the "Origin 
of Species," page 15 says: "The origin of most of our domestic 
animals will probably forever remain vague. * * * In regard to 
sheep and goats I can form no decided opinion. 



JO A Nezv Industry. 

can never be learned how this beautiful, and valuable, animal 
has been handed down to mankind ; nor, would it seem to be 
necessary, or important, that we should know ; for, beyond 
the mere fact of gratifying idle curiosity, we would be no better 
off, practically, if we were to learn from the Divine source, 
through which the animal was created, the exact way it was 
made. It seems to me, it would be more fitting in us to accept 
the gift from nature's generous hand, as we have found it, and 
apply the laws for the improvement of the species, that this 
same beneficent Creator has established, and mould for our- 
selves such an animal as is best suited to our wants, and best 
adapted to the climate in Which we live. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE PROVINCE OF ANGORA. 

The town of Angora is described in the Encyclopedia 
Britannica as follows : "Angora, or Enguri, the ancient Ancyra, 
a city of Turkey in Asia, capital of the vilayet of the same name, 
is situated upon a steep hill, near a small stream, which flows 
into the Angora, a tributary of the Sukaria, or Sangarino, about 
220 miles E S E of Constantinople. * * * Ancyra be- 
longed, originally, to Phrygia, and afterwards became the chief 
town of the Tectosages, one of the three Gallic tribes that set- 
tled in Galatia about 277 B. C. 

"In 189 B. C, Galatia was subdued by Manlius, and in 25 
B. C. it- was formally made a Roman province, of which Ancyra 
was the capital. Ancyra was the seat of one of the earliest 
churches, founded, probably, by the Apostle Paul, and councils 
were held in the town in 314 and 358 A. D. In 1402 A. D., a 
^reat battle was fought in the vicinity of Ancyra, in which the 
Turkish Sultan, Bajazet, was defeated and made prisoner by 
Tamerlaine, the Tartar conqueror. In 1415, it was recovered 
bv the Turks, under Mahomet I, and since that period has be- 
longed to the Ottoman Empire." 

The following description of the surrounding country, from 
the pen of Mr. H. A. Cumberbatch, British Consul at Angora, 
in his report to the Marquis of Salisbury, dated the 15tli of 
July, 1895, and which I have taken the liberty of copying from 
Mr. Schreiner's book, is of greater value. Mr. Cumberbatch 
says : 

"The vilayet, or province, of Angora, is essentially an agricultural 
one; the rural population gives itself up entirely to the cultivation of 
the soil, and the rearing of cattle, while the inhabitants of the towns, 
themselves to a great extent owners of farms and vineyards, trade on 
the result of the cultivators' labors. * * * 



52 A Nczu Industry. 

"The entire province is more or less mountainous and furrowed 
by deep valleys. Its mean altitude is estimated at 2900 feet, the town 
itself being 2854 feet above the sea level. 

"The elevated masses are here and there shaded with forests, but 
the plateaux, which form the most extensive portion of the country, 
are very little wooded, and consequently the absence of trees and 
shrubs give them a dreary aspect. The scarcity of trees permits the 
summer heat to dry up the little humidity acquired by the soil in winter, 
and drouths of any length bring about partial or complete failures of 
crops. 

"Whenever the mountain soil is carried down by the spring Hoods 
to the valleys and plateaux, it makes them very fertile and suitable for 
the cultivation oi all kinds of cereals and vegetables. Wherever arti- 
ficial irrigation is practicable, the fertilit}' is greatly augmented. In 
this province there are to be found light and friable soils, both suitable 
for wheat and barley culture, and, although rarely manured. S'ood crops 
are raised, thus proving their great fertility. 

"In many parts, however, and in the Cesarea district especially, 
the soil is very poor, with no consistency, being nothing but dust and 
stones. 

"The climate is extreme. In the months of January and February 
the thermometer will mark a minimum of 10 degrees Fahr. for several 
days at a time reaching as far as degree Fahr., whilst in June and 
July the maximum readings of 85 degrees Fahr. arc maintained day 
after day with little or no rain. 

"The country is covered with snow in the winter, rain and snow 
falling frequently. In 1894, the total rainfall at Angora was 8:12 inches, 
but that was an exceptionally diy season. For the first six months of 
1895 the rainfall was 10:10 inches, which is somewhat above the average, 
the heaviest rainfall in twenty-four hours having been 1:20 inches. 

If Mr. Cumberbatch hacf been writing a description of 
Southwest Texas, he could hardly have described it better. The 
only material difference between the two countries is the char- 
acter of the valleys in Angora, which appear to be subject to 
overflows, while those in Southwest Texas are not — a feature 
decidedly in favor of the latter country. The altitude and gen- 
eral contour of the two countries are very similar, and the same 
will apply to New Mexico, and many more of our Western 
Territories. 

A flock of goats in Turkey usually consists of about three 
hundred head, which is always attended by a man during the 



The Province of Angova. jj 

day, who is sometimes assisted by several dogs, trained to stay 
with the i^ock night and day. Some of these dogs are so 
ferocious that they will attack anything that approaches the 
flock, and it is dangerous to go near them, unless the man in 
charge is with you. 



CHAPTER III. 

DISTRIBUTION OF THE ANGORA GOAT INTO OTHER COUNTRIES. 

The following century after Father Belon had reported 
the existence of the Angora goat in Asia Minor, or about 1650, 
Tournefort, the chief Botanist to the French King, reported that 

"Thej' rear the finest goats in the world, in the Champaign of An- 
gora. They dazzle with their whiteness, and their hair, which is as fine 
as silk, curling naturally in tresses eight or nine inches long, is the 
material of many stuffs." (See Hayes, p. 27.) 

Many attempts were made to introduce them into France, 
England and other parts of Europe, but with no success. 
According to Dr. Hayes : 

"The first attempt to appropriate the race in Europe was made by the 
Spanish government, which imported a flock in 1765. Next followed 
the importation of President Tour d'Aigues, who introduced some 
hundred upon the Low Alps in 1787. * * * Towards the end of the 
last century, Louis XVI imported a flock of Angoras to Rambouillet, 
but this, as well as the flocks of Tour d'Aigues, disappeared in conse- 
quence of the revolution. The best results were obtained in Spain from 
the importation of a flock of one hundred, in 1830, by the King of Spain." 
(See Hayes, p. 34.) 

Sir Titus Salt, together with the Earl of- Derby, intro- 
duced them into England about 1837, but these soon died out. 
In 1849. Dr. J. B. Davis brought nine head into the United 
States. ^ 

They were introduced into Australia about 1850, and prom- 
ised to become quite a factor in the agricultural pursuits of 
that country at one time, but from some cause or other, the 
industry was not kept up. 



*Seven grown goats were imported and two kids were born en- 
route to this country. 



Distribution of the Angora Goat Into Other Countries. J5 

A very unique attempt at localizing them was made in 
the Fiji Islands by Mr. R. B. Leafe, an English gentleman, who 
owns the small island of Xannuna, in 1874. In referring to this, 
Dr. Hayes copies the following interesting account from a book 
entitled, "At Home in Fiji," by C. F. Gordon, an authoress, and 
traveler of high reputation : 

"One of Mr. Leafe's most anxious experiments has been the in- 
troduction of Angora goats, lovely white creatures, with long, silky 
fleeces. 

"At great expense he procured two pairs, and, having killed off all 
the male wild goats on the island, the-se beautiful strangers were estab- 
lished as monarchs of the isle, so the flock is now exceedingly pretty. 
There are 230 mothers of all varieties of color, and each has either 
one or two pure white kids, all, without exception, taking after 
their fathers. The fine silky hair is not the sole advantage of introducing 
the Angora Goat — its flesh is said to be more tender than mutton, with 
a slight flavor of venison, and, moreover, such a flock will thrive where 
sheep could not find a living."* See Hayes, page 93. 

They were first introduced into Cape Colony, South Africa, 
in 1838, by Col. Henderson, formerly of Bombay, India. See 
Schreiner, p. 170. 

In 1856, and 1857, quite a general interest was manifested 
on the part of Cape Town merchants, to introduce them upon 
a large scale, and estabhsh a mohair-growing industry of some 
magnitude. Sir Titus Salt, who had made a failure in raising 
them in England, was very glad to co-operate in this move- 
ment, as he was then largely interested in manufacturing mo- 
hair, and was exceedingly anxious to extend its growth. Every 
importation that was made to Cape Town found ready sale to 
farmers, at satisfactory prices, and the importations continued 
from time to time until upwards of 3000 head had been quietly 
transferred to the hills of South Africa, which were thriving as 
well or better there than they had in their native home. 

The Turks had been encouraged to beheve from the many 
failures that had been made in locating their favorite animal 
in foreign countries, that it was not possible to propagate them 



*The Encyclopedia Brittanica states that mohair has been shipped to 
England from the Fiji Islands, but does not give the quantity. 



J(5 A Nczv Industry. 

anywhere except in Turkey ; or, in other words, that nature 
had given to Turkey the exclusive privilege of raising these 
beautiful animals, and it was not until about 1875 that they began 
to realize their mistake, which they did through the astonishing 
growth of the mohair industry in South Africa. From prac- 
tically nothing in 1860, which was the first shipment made from 
that country, of only 385 pounds, the exports reached the very 
handsome total of 3,280,000 pounds in 1879 ; nearly one-half the 
amount that Turkey was then producing. 

To be more exact : 

The Turkish exports to England in 1879 were 4,641,000 
pounds. The Cape, or South African, exports in 1879 were 
2,280,000 pounds. 

The Turks, for the first time, -realized the mistake they 
had made in thinking they had been selected as the only cus- 
todian of the Angora goat. Their jealousy was aroused, and by 
persistent appeals to the Sultan, they succeeded in having an 
edict passed, in 1880, prohibiting the shipment of any more 
of their precious animals, which they all but worshipped. The 
seed, however, had been planted, and the South African industry 
continued to increase until it is now (1899) greater than that 
of Turkey — a very fair sample of what intelligence and enter- 
prise can accomplish in competition with ignorance and super- 
stition. 

Since the edict of the Sultan, prohibiting the shipment oi 
Angora goats, only two legal shipments have been made from 
Turkey. Permission for the first one was obtained through 
the influence of H. B. M. Ambassador to the Sublime Porte 
.Sir Philip Currie. In this connection the following letter from 
Mr. George Gatherall to the "Eastern Province Herald," Port 
Elizabeth, dated Constantinople, 4th Nov., 1895, will be inter- 
esting reading. Mr. Geo. Gatherall wrote as follows : 

"In May last, owing to the presence of H. B. M.'s Ambassador 
and to a favorable turn in the mind of His Imperial Majesty, the Sul- 
tan, I obtained an Imperial concession to export Angora mohair goats, 
and at the same time the government e-tated that it vi^ould be the very 
last granted. As soon as the fleece had sufficiently grown to show the 



Distribution of flic Angora Goaf Into Other Countries. j/ 

quality of the mohair, namely, early in August, I sent my experienced 
men to buy the goats, and during two months I had an unceasing con- 
flict to get the animals safely out of the country. Immediately that it 
became known that goats were to be exported again, an influential 
meeting of all the mohair merchants and dealers took place in Con- 
stantinople, and decided to oppose the efTort by every means in their 
power. 

They wrote to all their agents, up country, to represent to the farmers 
that export of bucks meant mohair coming back to 14d (^Sc American mon- 
ey) : that the reason of the late advance was the prohibition of export to 
the Cape, which had led to the degeneration of the Cape hair. The dealers 
also brought influence to bear on the Governor General of the two 
provinces where purchases were to be made, and through which the 
animals had to pass, and these Governors did all in their power to 
prevent purchases. A monster petition, under the auspices of the An- 
gora Governor General, was drawn up, signed, and addressed to H. I. 
M. the sultan, begging His Majesty to save their industry from ruin, 
and to prohibit export. The Governors, moreover, sent officials to 
instruct the peasants not to sell any goats. The goats already purchased 
were to be given back to the peasants, and, finally, my man was taken 
ofT under arrest to the chief town in the district. 

The Turkish populace were excited, and this arrest saved my man's 
life. H. B. M.'s Ambassador, however, took the matter up with firmness 
and promptitude. Urgent telegrams were obtained from the Minister 
of the Interior to the Governors-General, instructing them to remove 
obstacles and give my men all needful help. This they at last were 
compelled to do, and, accompanied by an escort, the further purchases 
were made, and the flock protected from brigands and thieves, who 
attempted to seize the animals. After nearly two months, the goats 
came down, just as Constantinople was in a state of terror and massacre, 
one of my men being knocked down, bayonetted and left for dead in 
the street. Finally the flock which had been selected with so much 
care, and at the serious risk of life, was shipped for Southampton on 
the 16th of October last. The flock consists of 115 goats ordered by 
Messrs. Mosenthall Sons & Co., and fifty goats ordered by the Rt. 
Hon. Cecil Rhodes. The entire shipment is the result of a very careful 
and painstaking selection by experienced judges, and chosen from 
thousands of the very best flocks in the very best districts of Asia 
Minor. Thes^ animals should please your judges, I think. I have 
always pleased them hitherto, and these in my opinion, are the finest 
that have ever been sent to the Cape." 

"Eleven Months later, Mr. George Gatherall sent another 
consignment of Angoras to Messrs. A. Mosenthall & Co. They 



^8 A Nciv Industry. 

were landed at Port Elizabeth, on the 6th of November, 189G, 
and consisted of thirty-three rams and thirty ewes. See 
Schreiner, page 214. 

These have been the last shipments of Angora Goats from 
Turkey. 

Dr. Hayes refers to an attempt to introduce the Angora 
on Guadaloupe Island in the Pacific ocean, which he says was 
well stocked with the common goat; but, the enterprise failed, 
because, as he puts it, 

"In such conditions, as is well known, it is not the best, but the 
strongest, race (which in this case would be the native) that survives." 

This, however, does not seem to have been the reason of 
the failure, as will be seen from the following account furnished 
by Mr. Wm. M. Landrum, who was one of the principals en- 
gaged in the enterprise : 

-GUADALOUPE ISLAND is situated off the coast of Low- 
er California, about 210 miles south by one-half west from San 
Diego, California. It is about sixteen miles wide, by thirty long, 
and contains in the vicinity of 300,^00 acres of rough mountainous 
land, having an altitude in places of 4000 feet above sea level. 
It is well covered with brush, and is an ideal spot for the goat. 

In 1868 and 1869 it was estimated there were not less than 
80,000 head of the common short-haired variety of goats on this 
island, which, it is supposed, were first started by the English 
explorer and navigator. Captain James Cook, during the eight- 
eenth century. 

This island belongs to the government of Mexico, and was 
granted to General Valdethe, and Florencea Sevana for services 
rendered by them ; and, in, or about, 1870, a company of Ameri- 
cans was formed, consisting of Wm. M. Landrum, Car Abbott, 
B. Boswell, and others, all of California, at the time, for the 
purpose of introducing some Angora Goats on this island, with 
the expectation of improving the character of the common 
goats by crossing them with the Angora. 

By an arrangement with the heirs of General Valdethe and 
Florencea Sevana, this company got the exclusive privilege of 



Distribution of the Angora Goat Into Other Countries. jp 

using; the island, and they placed upon it in 1872 or "T3 in the vi- 
cinity of 1200 head of high-grade Angora does and 100 pure- 
bred bucks, at a cost of $20,000, and it was their intention to 
kill off all the native males as fast as they could for their hides 
and tallow. 

]\Ir. Landurm was made president and general manager 
of the company, and he whites me that the Angora did re- 
markably well and improved rapidly. After they had been 
on the island sixteen months, he sheared one doe that had 
mohair 22 inches long, of perfect staple, and the fleece under 
the belly was much worn by being dragged over the rocks (Mr. 
Jno. S. Harris, of Idaho, mentions having seen a sample of 
this hair in Constantinople in 1876, which Mr. Landrum had 
sent to Mr. Jno. R. Thompson of Constantinople). 

]\Ir. Landrum adds : "The island is especially adapted to 
the raising of mohair goats, but we made a failure owing to 
the fact that we did not have honest men to take charge of 
the work, and upon three occasions they ran ofif with all the 
skins they had taken, together with the tallow, and we were 
finally compelled to abandon the enterprise, after expending 
upwards of $30,000 in labor and expenses." 

Air. Landrum is well satisfied that a great fortune could 
be made b}' some one who would be willing to live on the 
island, but that he was too old to think of living in such a way, 
and there were none in the companv who cared to exile them- 
selves on such a lonely spot. 

ANGORA GOATS IN CANADA. 

It is surprising that the Angora goat has never been intro- 
d;.ced into Canada, more particularly as they are very fond of 
the "Canada Thistle" (see "Xotes from Practical Breeders"), 
which is so objectionable to the farming industry in that coun- 
try, as to require the most stringent legislation to keep it from 
spreading. The following letter received from Mr. Albert J. 
Hill, member "Canadian Society Civil Engineers of British 
Columbia,'" is interesting, and it is to be hoped that he will be 
successful in srettinsf the industrv started at an earlv dav. 



40 A Nczv Industry. 

New Westminster, B. C, 

Sept. 7th, 1899. 
W. L. Black. Esq., 

Dear Sir — I am sorry to say that, though I have been trying to work 
up the industry in this Province, other business calls have operated against 
the devotion of sufficient time to the project to make it, so far a success 
though recently, offers of capital from England to introduce the industry 
on a large scale promise an early organization of our enterprise. Up 
to the present there are practically no Angoras in British Columbia, 
though the Province, both in climate and otherwise, seems to be pecul- 
iarly fitted for them. Splendid insular ranges exist all along the coast, 
capable of carrying many thousands of head, and free from all predatory 
animals, or other hurtful conditions, while the interior offers millions of 
acres of brushy mountain range, well adapted to this industry and noth- 
ing else. These lands vary from ocean level to 8000 feet above, providing 
an ever-changing supply of herbage, and abundance of pasturage, as the 
snows leave the slopes with advancing summer, or urges the bands down- 
wards as winter approaches. 

The insular ranges have practically no winter, the climate being such 
that the animals will not accept shelter the year round, and in one instance 
a few of them have actually run wild, and are, I believe, increasing on 
the higher parts of the island away from any any human care. 

Yours faithfully, 

ALBERT J. HILL. 



CHAPTER IV. 

CHARACTER OF THE EARLY ANGORA GOAT. 

The character of the Angora Goat in Turkey in the early 
part of the present century was ver}- different from what it 
is today. \\"e are told by all authorities on the subject that 
they were then a very small, delicate animal, shearing from 2 
to '2y2 pounds of mohair, according to sex, and age,* while at 
the present time it is not uncommon to hear of individual bucks 
shearing as high as 15 to 18 pounds, and does shearing 9 to 10 
pounds. In summing up his investigation upon this subject, 
Air. Schreiner says : 

"I think it is certain that the original pure-bred white mohair goat 
was a small, very refined, delicate animal of great beauty, clipping at 
twelve months" growth of fleece about two to four pounds (accord- 
ing to sex and age — kids considerablj^ less) of dazzling white, 
fine, soft, silky, very lustrous moJiair, curling in ringlets from 
eight to ten inches long, with merely the minimum of oil in its fleece 
requisite to the growth of hair of the highest excellence, so small in 



*According to a report in the Encyclopedia Brit, (see Vol. X, p. 708) : 
"The Angora goat is often confounded with the Cashmere, but is, in 
reality, quite distinct from it. The principle feature of the breed, of which 
there are two or three varieties, is the length and quality of its hair, which 
has a particularly soft and silky texture, covering the whole body and a 
great part of the legs, with close matted ringlets. The horns of the 
male differ from those of the female, being directed vertically, and in shape 
spiral, whilst in the female they have a horizontal tendency somewhat 
like those of a ram. The coat is composed of two kinds of hair, the one 
short and coarse, and of the character of hair; the other long and curly 
and of the nature of wool, forming the outer covering. Both are used 
by the manufacturer, but the exterior portion which makes up by far the 
greater bulk is much the more valuable. The average amount of wool 
yielded b}- each animal is about "2yo pounds." 



^2 A Nciv Ijidiisfry. 

amount as to be inappreciable to the unskilled observer. It was per- 
fectly clothed in every part; it had short silky, curly hair about the 
face and down the lower parts of the kgs to the hoofs, a soft, silky 
curl}'- "kuif" (tuft on the forehead), and small, thin, light-colored horns, 
The ewe was, of course, smaller and finer than the ram, and had only 
one kid at a birth (of this there is abundant eA'idence). Its delicacy was, 
no doubt, mainly due to a long course of mbreeding, perhaps, also, partly, 
to the desire that it should yield hair of exquisite fineness. In a goat, 
refinement and delicacy of body, and fleece, to some extent, go to- 
gether. I do not think it possible for a large, powerful, big-boned 
goat to produce such a fleece as it- seems evident the original pure An- 
gora carried. This long course of inbreeding, however, while it ren- 
ders the goat delicate, at the same time also made it a thoroughbred, 
in the truest sense of the term. 

"ihere seems to be no doubt that, speaking generally, it had been 
1:red true to type for many centuries, and thus has acquired to an al- 
most unique extent, that one distinguishing quality of the thorough- 
bred — great antiquity of fixed eharacteristics. This gave it prepotency 
of unusual strength, as was shown by the certainty and rapidity with 
which the rams impressed their peculiar characteristics upon their 
progeny got by common ewes, a fact lull}' established, and remarked 
upon with wonder by all who used them to grade tip from common 
ewes before the breed had lost its prestine purity." (See S:hreiner, pp. 
•58-59. 

There is no doubt that ^Ir. Schreiner's deductions are cor- 
rect, and it is more than probable the Turks would have con- 
tinued the practice of in. and in breeding had it not been for 
the great increase in the demand for mohair, which began in the 
year 1837 and continued to grow much faster than it could 
be supplied. This new industry in England began with the 
manufacture of alpaca, and the value of both mohair and alpaca 
naturally, advanced rapidly, from about 20c in 1836-3T, to up- 
wards of 75c to $1.00 a pound in 1860. Under the influence of 
such seductive chances for profit, the wily Turk commenced 
to cross his Angoras upon the common ("Kurd") goat of his 
country, which they have kept up to a greater or less extent 
to the present time. The result of this cross has produced a 
complete change in the character of the animal, and it is very 
doubtful if they have any goats in Asia ]\Iinor today that can 
be called absolutely pure. 



Character of the Early Angora Goat. 4^ 

The crossing' has, however, been beneficial in more ways 
than one. It has largely increased the yield of mohair in Tur- 
key, and has changed the goat from a small, delicate animal, 
shearing 2 to 2]^ pounds, to a strong and vigorous one, shear- 
ing 4 to 5 pounds for the average clipping of ordmary flocks. 




Dr. James B. Davis. 



CHAPTER V. 

INTRODUCTION OF THE ANGORA GOAT INTO THE UNITED 

STATES. 

■ The Angora goat was first introduced into the United 
vStates by Dr. James B. Davis, of Columbia, S. C, in 1849.* 
This gentleman was a native of South Carolina, born December 
30th, 1807, and was educated at the Columbia, S. C, college. 
He graduated as a physician in the Medical College of Charles- 
ton, S. C, was at the Transylvania University Medical Depart- 
ment in 1829-30, but practiced medicine only two years. On 
November 2d, 1830, he married Miss Mary Elizabeth Scott, 
and devoted his time afterwards mainly to agriculture, until 
he was appointed by President Polk, of the United States, in 
] 814. as a proper person to introduce the culture of cotton into 
Turkey, in response to a request from the Sultan. His experi- 
ments in Turkey lasted about three years. His contract with the 
Turkish Government procured him an annual salary of $12,000 
in gold, besides a residence, and carriages and horses, and 
when he was about to abandon his work, the Sultan was pleased 
to present his wife with a purse of $20,000 additional — a por- 
tion of which was invested in buying a small flock of Asiatic 
goats, and other animals, among which were a j air of Brahmin 
cattle, some water oxen, and a Maltese jack. 

Dr. Davis returned to the United States in 1849, and re- 
mained in Charleston and vicinity for some time, and then 



*In sending me the above photograph of Dr. Davis, his daughter, 
]\Irs. H. K. White, now of Bryan, Texas, writes: "Regretting I have no 
Jater picture of my father, I send you a small miniature of him, taken in 
(^arly life — not as I remember him, a grand looking man with large black 
eyes, black hair, florid complexion, and high white forehead, a man of 
rtriking appearance and courtly manners." 



46 A New Industry. 

moved near Columbia, S. C, and in a few years moved back 
to his original home near Monticello, in Fairfield County, where 
he died on the 6th of May, 1859.* 

He had a great fondness for agricultural affairs, with a 
very decided turn for experimenting with different kinds of 
live stock that he thought would be adapted to the Southern 
-climate — a fact that may be easily inferred from the following 
letter to the U. S. Agtl. Dept. in 1853 : 

"In 1836, having had some experience in the importation of short- 
horned, Devon and Ayershire cattle, into this State, I then summarily- 
advanced an opinion that all cattle brought from a Northern to a 
Southern cHmate must necessarily degenerate to the peculiarities of 
our location, and that it would be easier to improve cattle already 
acclimated or import animals from a still warmer region. In my late 
sojourn in Asia and the East, I had reference to this observation in 
importing Cashmere, Scinde and Malta milking goats, as well as the 
Brahmin ox, or Nagore of India; the Asiatic buffalo, or water ox, 
and other animals." See Patent Office Report 1853, page 20. 

These animals, it would seem, were imported more as a 
matter of curiosity and experiment than with a view to the 
establishing of a distinct industry ; but, it was not very long be- 
fore Dr. Davis realized that the Western Hemisphere offered 
■greater advantages for the production of mohair than the East 
did. In the letter above referred to he makes use of the follow- 
ing language, bearing on this point : 

'"In locating these animals in different sections of South Carolina, 
I can see no difference between those reared here and the imported, 
with the exception that those reared in this state are finer and heavier 
fleeced than those imported." See Pat. Off. Kept. 1853, page '20. 

He continued his experiments with the goats for a few 
years, during which he sold some of his increase to parties in 
New York, and other States, where they proved to be equally 



*The foregoing matter is taken from a letter from Col. Zimmerman 
Davis, of Charleston, S. C, Secretary and Treasurer of the Water Works 
of that city, who very kindly supplied me with the information in response 
to my inquiry, and in another letter he contributed some further informa- 
tion touching the real character of the goats that Dr. Davis imported 
which will appear later under a proper chapter. 



Introduction of Angora Goats Into the United States. 47 

well adapted, and in 1854, he disposed of his entire lot of pure- 
breeds, to Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta, Georgia, who had 
been watching his experiments with no little interest from the 
very beginning. 

The late Hon. Israel S. Diehl, in his paper published in the 
U. S. Agtl. Dept. Rept. of 1863, referring to the Angora goat, 
says : 

"Nowhere, however, has their introduction and breeding been at- 
tended with the same cheering resuUs and decided success as in our 
own country, and this, after thorough trial, and practical experiments 
during the last fifteen years, when seven were first imported by Dr. 
Davis into South Carolina. Since that, some three hundred head have 
been imported from Angora, at various times and seasons, via Con- 
stantinople and Boston, mainly for the South and Southwest, from 
which, with their crosses, a numerous progeny and various small flocks 
have descended, now numbering several thousands, and scattered from Mas- 
sachusetts to California, yet still mainly confined to the Southwestern 
States, in flocks of from twelve to three hundred, and more, as at At- 
lanta, Georgia; Gallatin and Nashville, T-annessee; Russellville, Frank- 
fort, Paris and Georgetown, Kentucky; Greenville, Lebanon, Mont- 
gomer}' and Bucyrus, Ohio; Green Comliy, Indiana; Chicago, Decatur 
and Evanstown, Illinois; St. Louis, Maramec and Fayette, Missouri; 
Baltimore, Maryland; Leavenworth, Kansas; Brownsville, Pittsburg, 
Washington and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New York, Boston, Bel- 
mont, Massachusetts; Austin, Texas; Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and 
California, with other localities, where they have been thoroughly tried, 
prospered and improved. 

"We have either personally visited and examined most of the 
above-named localities and flocks, seen, or obtained, animals or speci- 
mens of the wool, comparing them with what we saw abroad, and 
the best specimens of wool to be obtained from abroad, or the best 
imported ones, and are well satisfied and thoroughly convinced that 
we have succeeded, and can continue to succeed, in raising this valuable 
wool-bearing animal, with its precious fleece, almost anywhere through- 
out our country where sheep will prosper, especially in the higher, and 
colder, localities, producing an animal more hardy, with a heavier and 
more valuable fleece, than the Angora, or Cashmere, itself in its own 
country. The specimens of wool in our possession, and raised in this 
country, are found generally finer, more silky, and fleecy, than the im- 
ported, and original, ones." 



CHAPTER VI. 

SUBSEQUENT IMPORTATIONS INTO THE UNITED STATES. 

Collecting correct statistics is a very difficult task at an\ 
time, but more particularly when they extend over a period of 
nearly fifty years, as is the case with our importations of Angora 
goats ; fortunately, however, we have a living member in the 
industry who has been intimate with nearly every importation 
that has been made to the United States since Col. Peters first 
purchased the "Davis" goats, an(i has, perhaps, given closer at- 
tention to this matter than any other person in our country. 
I refer to Mr. W. M. Landrum, now of Laguna, Texas, who 
was for many years a resident of California, and was the starter 
of the industry in that State, as early as 1861. Through the 
courtesy of this gentleman, I am able to give, perhaps, the 
closest particulars relating to each importation that is possible 
to obtain, as Mr. Landrum personally inspected many of them, 
and was in close touch with those who examined others. 

According to data furnished by Mr. Landrum : The second 
importation was made by Mr. W. W. Chenery, of Boston, 
Mass., about the year 1861, which consisted of twenty head, 
but they were affected with the Asiatic scab, and all died. 

Mr. Chenery made another importation in 1866. and in 
the spring of 1867, still another, which consisted of twenty head 
each, and of which al^out thirty head were safely landed in this 
country. 

Mr. Landrum writes : 

"I went to Boston early in '67, and waited for the arrival of the 
third lot — selected nine head out of the second lot and one out of the 
third shipment. In 1870 Mr. Charles S. Brown, a banker of New 
York City, associated with Hon. Israel S. Diehl, formerly consul to 
Batavia, imported 150 head, of which 135 arrived." 



Subsequent Importations Into the United States. 49 

Referring- to this importation, he says : 

"I was in New York City at the time this association was formed, 
and contracted for the first choice of the shipment. When they arrived 
in New York city, I took the first steamer for my goats. I found the 
goats on Mr. Brown's farm in New Jersey, in low, swampy land. I 
selected only two bucks, one of which was the notorious hornless 
'Castomboul' buck that sheared 20 pounds, but too coarse for anything 
but wigs. Mr. Diehl arrived in Asia just after the goats were shorn, 
and had to guess at what he bought. Some of them were very fine 
and pure. Out of this importation, only about thirty or forty head 
■survived the Asiatic mange, which they had contracted."* 

"The next year, 1871, Mr. A. Eutichides, a Greek merchant, left Asia 
with 200 head of goats for the United States. The Asiatic scab broke 
out on the way to this country; the man he had in charge of them died, 
and only about 100 were landed. These were taken to Vir- 
ginia, where I visited the flock in 1872, and they were still afflicted with 
the scab, which I showed him how to cure. I had caught the disease 
some years before in my own goats, from an imported buck, and had 
much trouble and expense to get rid of it. 

"In 1873, Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta, Ga., imported three 
goats of the 'Geredah' variety, through Mr. C. W. Jenks, of Boston, 
Mass. 

"The next importation was twelve head, made by Mr. J. S. Harris, 
of Holister, Cal., associated with Mr. Wm. Hall of San Jose, Cal. Mr. Har- 
ris visited Asia in person, and selected the animals, which were taken to 
California, via New York, in 1876." 

Summing up the different lots that have been imported, 
Mr. Landrum gives the following figures : 

Dr. J. B. Davis started with 7 head and had two kids on 

shipboard 9 

W. W. Chenery, 60 head, of which were landed only 30 

Chas. S. Brown and Hon. Israel S. Diehl 135 

A. Eutichides 100 

J. S. Harris and Wm. Hall 12 

An English sea captain sold to W. D. Parish, of Texas 2 

Col. Richard Peters, through C. W. Jenks, of Boston 3 

Total 291 



*Mr. Jno. S. Harris, of Oakley, Idaho, writes we with reference to this 
importation as follows: 

"From what I could learn from the Turks, Minister Diehl did not 



50 A New Industry. 

Mr. J. R. Dodge, for many years chief statistician in the 
U. S. Agtl. Dept., refers to an importation that was made into 
Texas by Mr. Price Maurice, a wealthy Australian breeder. 
Mr. Dodge states, in a communication to the "Country Gentle- 
inan," that Mr. Maurice imported sixteen rams and 168 ewes, for 
the ranch of his sons in Texas, Maurice Brothers, in 1869, 1872 
and 1873, but there must be some mistake on the part of Mr. 
Dodge about this importation, as I can find no one connected 
with the industry in Texas, or elsewhere, who has any knowl- 
edge of it. The fact of Mr. Price Maurice having made such an 
importation as Mr. Dodge refers to, into Australia rather 
strengthens the opinion that he is in error in saying it was 
made to the United States. Refering to this, Mr. Schreiner, on 
page 252 of his recent work on the Angora Goat, says : 

"In 1869, Mr. Price Maurice imported ten pure-bred Angoras 

into South Australia from Asia Minor, and made further importations 

in 1871, 1872 and 1873, in all sixteen rams and oiie hundred avd sixly- 
eight czves." 

Another importation of eight head is mentioned by Col 
J. Wash. Watts, of Montville, S. C, made by Hon. Wm. Henry 
Stiles, of Cartersville, Georgia. Col. Watts, in a recent letter 
to me, says : 

"Mr. Stiles was formerly Minister to Australia, and made an im- 
portation of Angora goats just before the war. 1 saw them and had 
an ewe from them, but I did not think they were equal to the 'Davis' 
goats, which I regard the best that have ever come across the sea, 
though the 'Stiles' goats were larger and stouter than the 'Davis' 
goats, but inferior in fleece. Col. Stiles died, either during the war, or 
soon after. Where his goats went I don't know, for I moved, too, 
from Georgia, to my native land (South Carolina). Col. Stiles told me 
he assisted Dr. Davis to get his goats out of Turkey." 

It will therefore appear that we have received, all told, the 
following importations of Angora Goats : 



buy his goats in Angora, but in Bai-Bazar. I stopped a day and night 
in Bai-Bazar with an American gentleman who purchased the bulk 
of mohair grown there for Jno. R. Thompson of Constantinople. This 
gentleman told me the goats that Mr. Diehl bought were Al and he 
had helped to purchase them for him." 



Subsequent Importations Into the United States. ^i 

As per Mr. Landrum's statement, 291 ; as per Col. J. Wash 
Watts" statement, 8 ; or a total of 299, of which it is reasonable 
to believe many were neglected during- our civil war, and died, 
and a few were doubtless of an inferior character, being hardly 
entitled to the term "pure bred." 

In the past fifteen years about twelve head of Angoras 
have been imported from South Africa, but the most of these 
were not considered as good as some of the best stock in our 
own country. 

In 1886, Fink & Co., of Leon Springs, Texas, imported 
three bucks and three does. Mr. Geo. A. Hoerle (of which 
firm he was then a partner) writes me that they had, 

"Twenty-five or thirty head of does in their own flock superior in 
every way to the ones they had imported, and only one of the bucks 
was considered superior to what they had themselves." 

In 1893, Mr. C. P. Bailey made his first importation, and 
in 1899 he made a second, consisting altogether of six head. 



CI1AI''1"I'J< VII. 

SIMiKAl) OF 'I'lll'; ANC;OliA fJOA'l' INDUSTIiY '11 1 liOi;(;HOi;T TDK 
VAItlOIJS STATKS AND 'I'MlililTfjIU KS. 

Accorflin^' U> ;i |>;ipfr fiirnisliC'] hy llic ];d>- lion. Israel S. 
Oicjij, flic Ai]^.(ora jj;o;i,t lia'l ix-ni sn< rf:'-sfu]|y raisf:'! in no less 
than tliirl.ccn of llic Sl.at,(:s cast, of Ili<; iV]ississip];i Kivcr, as early 
as \H(>2. 

SOIiTll CAK'OIJNA li;t,s tlx- honor of h'-in^ the first, to 
lian'llc tlif: animal, thron^'i'li \)r. J.-iinc, I',, havis, of Colnnihia, 
as early as \H'i'.). 

In l^r;:;, l;r. iJavis wrr;te to llie li. S. I'alenL (Jfficc as 
follows : 

"()u iiiy ;i,rriv.'i.l I iiiiin<-'li;i(cly proniri'l ;i nniiih<r of our lilllc 'liniiuii- 
live native females Roals, an'! rro/,'-'! llif-m ti])on a Cashmere l^vick. Tlicir 
])r<)i4c])y ]\:i<] very fine hair IjiU hill'- lonj.^cr lh;ui that of the flocs. I aj^ain 
crossed Liie females of tliis jjro^cDy ui>on the other Cashmere I;uck, and it 
was flifficnlt to flistingnish these from the pure breed, and the subsefjuent 
cross cannot hi' dclcrtcfl. In ihe ■,|)rin|.', I eontemijlate erff;(:tin|:< still 
unotlier rro:/,." S<-e i'a.L (Ji(. Kejjort, \'<<:',, j.aj^c i^O. 

Only a few j.(oats w(;re owned \>y l)r. iJavis, ami, owin^ to 
1.1)c vctry lii;^i) ]jrire tlx-y cfjiiunaii'li-fl, it is natural that hut a 
liniitc'l nniiihcr of hreeders in any particular Statr- coiil'l hccfjine 
»inl(-reslcd in then) very soon. U[>on tliis subject, hr. Uavis 
writes : 

"I ronsidci' llii:, a most v.'ilualde and useful ex);<!rim(mt, as f made 
arran;,^em<i)l', wilh amateurs to ;,ell ];m-': l;rcd bucks at $100.-* * In ten 
days all tlu: |nnc hrcds were taken, witli a demand for many more. * 
'" '" I li;ivi- loc.-iicd tlicm frin)) the to;> of the mountains lo tiie sea- 
bo;ird, botij in (^;uolina ;ind d-or^ia." .See IJ. S. t'al. Off. \<v\A. ]8r,.'{, 
page 21. 

'•''Pliis is a tyjjograjdiical error anri should read $1000.00, as will be seen 
later, in a letter from Mrs. H. K. White, a daughter of D. Davis. 



spread of Angara (Joal Industry in the Stales and Terrilorks. 5J 

Col. J. Wafih Watts was one of the early l^reeders of the 
j^oat in South Carolina, and contributed much valuable informa- 
tion about them through the work of I Jr. J. L. J f ayes, "The 
Angora Goat, Its Origin, Culture and i/roducts," (\HH2.) This 
gentleman is still enjoying good health, at the advanced age of 
eighty years, and, although not personally interested in goats 
is still a strong believer in the industry. 

In a recent letter to the writer. Col, Watts, says : 

"I f]o not know how jnany goals /xrc in South Carolina, but very 
few. I never owned over 200 head niyiclf. I have always found South 
Carolina well adapted to rai.sing them." 

Col. Watts adds some very interesting and valuable infor- 
mation about the "Davis" goats, and other matters concerning 
the industry which I believe ought to be preserved, more par- 
ticularly as coming from so eminent an authority, anrl one so 
long familiar with the Angora in this country. 

Near Montville, S. C, Aug. 2-5, 1800. 
Mr. Wm. L. Black. 

Dear Sir — Your letter of )8th came to hand yesterday. I received 
a copy of the same some time ago from Col, Holloway, which I hope 
you have received before now, as J. answered promptly, as I always 
do such letters, but for fear you did not get it, I will answer this and 
forward at once, I wrote a card this morning to a friend, Maj. Thomas 
W. Woodward, of Winsboro, S, C, to give you the address of some 
relative of Dr. James B, Davis, I hope he will do so at once, I 
have outlived nearly all of my old friends, near my age — in a few flays 
1 will be eighty, and in better health than when X was young, though I 
have given up my stock to my son, who is enjoying the Bermuda 
pa.sture that I made in my prime. My stock has attended every State 
fair that has been held here since the war, 

"The Hon, Wm, Henry Stiles, deceased, who lived near Carters- 
villc, Ga,, formerly Minister to Austria, made an importation of 
Angora goats, just before the war, I saw them and had an ewe from 
them, but I do not think they were equal to the 'Davis' goats, which I 
regard the best that have ever come across the sea, though the 'Stiles' 
goat's were larger and stouter than th-^ 'Davis' goats, but inferior in 
fleece Col, Stiles died either during the war, or soon after; where hi- 
goats went I don't know, as I moved, too, from Georgia to my nativ: 
land. Col, Stiles told me that he assisted Dr, Davis to get his goats 
out of Turkey. Dr, Davis also bought a pair of cattle that he called 



5^ A Nezv Industry. 

Brahmin. I think they are the Nagorc bull of history; also a pair that 
he called water oxen, perhaps the African buffalo. He sold the for- 
mer to Eads of Kentucky at a big price; there are many grades of 
them in this State. You no doubt have read the reports of committees 
appointed by the 'Georgia Agricultural Society' to determine the proper 
name of these 'Davis' goats. He called them Cashmere. You will find 
the reports in the Agricultural Reports from the Patent Office for 
1855 and '57. I don't recollect whether there is anything in 1850. The 
late Dr. John Bachman, of Charleston, was chairman. He concluded 
that they were neither 'Cashmere' nor 'Angoras,' but a more valuable 
animal than either. I was at all of these meetings of the society. 
After this all parties became satisfied that they are the genuine Angora 
goat. I roomed with Mr. Peters and Dr. Davis, the night they made 
the trade, which years after Mr. Peters told me paid him better than 
cny other branch of his farming interest. He was a wonderful man 
in his way, and deserves to be on the top of the list of Angora owners 
These goats have one peculiarity that is different from all other animals: 
ihe bucks and ewes all go out of heat alike, and come in together; a 
buck will not serve an ewe out of season, which lasts from September, 
about four months; as this occurs but once a year, a grade buck 
would have to be U3ed to get the second crop of kids. In crossing to 
improve the fieece, it is best to use the short-haired goat, as you can 
breed on the fieece quicker than you can change the long-haired fleece. 
I believe all the Mexican, and South American, goats have the short 
hair, and have kids twice a year, which they nurse well. I have been 
talking to some young friends about getting out from Texas, or Mex- 
ico, 500 to 1000 white ewes to cross with the Angora. You will oblige 
me by letting me know where the white short-haired goat is to be found, 
and the price, and how often they have kids, and how many, and what 
would likely be the freight from Galveston to Charleston, S. C. I 
had a few of these Texas goats with a flock of sheep, a trio of us 
owned in Bosque County, before and during the war; they were very 
large for goats. I would like to see several thousand of these goats 
in this S':ate. I could not answer your query about the brush pas- 
tures; ours are generally old fields, with shrubbery growing on worn- 
out lands. We have the Japan clover, or Lespardeza, which grows 
well on all kinds of lands, and does its own .sewing. It is really a won- 
der to us how it came, and how it spreads. Goats and sheep are very 
fond of it, and after the goats take a run over this pasture they will 
settle down and take a good bait of this clover and lie down until even- 
ing, when they go again. I know of no one, except my son. who is 
giving the goat of any breed any attention. Cotton is their crop 
for money, so, as this is about to fail them, they will soon be raising 
goats or sheep, which will pay some profit every year. The goat question is 
coming up, even in the North. It seems that the Patent Office gave 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories, jj 

out lately the letter I wrote to John L. Haj^es, which the 'Springfield 
Republican' published, and other papers, so I am beset v/ith letters 
from Massachusetts to Florida for information. As I own no goats 
now of any kind, it is rather burdensome to write an essay on goats 
ever}^ few days. If I can assist j^ou in an}^ waj'^ with your book, I will 
be pleased to do so; so don't hesitate to call on me. When I was last 
in Texas, some one told me that some person near San Antonio had 
two thousand of these white goats, that I im enquiring after. I have 
had a few Maltese milk goats that had long coarse hair. I crossed 
them with the Angora, and the half-breeds would have four kids a 
year, and one had three at a binn. One was a wonderful milker. I 
loaned her to a friend to help raise his twins, and she did her part well 
(See statement in Hayes' book, page oo). 

I had also a South American milk goat, short hair; she was a 
fine milker, and had kids twice a year. I had at one time two hundred 
pure-breds and grades, sold a hundred at one time, which I delivered on 
Roane mountain, N. C. Several were kids. We drove 175 miles across 
mountains and rivers, but never lost a kid or goat; though as we had to 
guard them from eating the laurel, and iAw, which grew abundantly on 
both sides of the road. I formerly herded them myself, until I grew 
too old to get about fast enough. I could turn them at m}' command, 
they obeying promptly. If our old lands — too poor for cultivation — 
could be made into goat pastures, and grazed according to their capacity, 
it would add millions to the farmers' income, but our people have so 
long depended on the one crop, cotton, it would be hard to change their 
habits. Very truly. 

J. WASH WATTS. 

GEORGIA was the second State to become interested in the 
Angora goat through Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta. 

Col. Richard Peters was born in the State of Pennsylvania, 
on the 10th of Xovember, 1810, and passed away in Atlanta, 
Ga., on the 6th of February, 1889, at the advanced age of seven- 
ty-nine years. He was a grandson of Judge Peters, a celebrated 
lawyer of Philadelphia, Penn., who was Commissioner of Wai 
in 1778, afterwards Secretary of W'&v for six months, and was 
a member of Congress in 1781, and the organize, of the first 
agricultural society that was started in the United States, in 
1785. 

Col. Peters was educated as a civil engineer; and, in 1812, 
he left Pennsylvania for the purpose of locating the Georgia 
Railroad, of which he was afterwards superintendent of con- 
struction, but resigned this position to engage in running a line 



5(5 A Nczv Industry. 

of stages from Covington — the end of the Georgia Railroad at 
'that time — into Montgomery, Alabama. His first residence 
in Georgia was Augusta, where he lived from 1842 until 1848 
when he moved to Atlanta, and married Miss Mary Jane Thomp- 
son, a daughter of Dr. Joseph Thompson of hotel fame. 

He was very successful in his different undertakings, and 
was identified with nearly every enterprise which had for its 
object the advancement of Atlanta; and, it is doubtless due, in 
a great measure, to his practical judgment and enterprise that 
this city occupies such a prominent position among the cities 
of the Southern States today. In religion he was an Episco- 
palian, and a devout member of that church. In politics, he 
was conservative at all times ; but, having lived such a long 
life, was naturally a member of several of the political parties — 
first an Old Line Whig — a Co-operationist — and, after the war 
of vSecession, a Democrat. He was opposed to secession, but 
having adopted Georgia as his home, was true to the South 
after his State decided to secede from the Union, and responded 
liberally to all calls that were made upon him. He was director 
for many years in the Georgia Railroad, and took a great inter- 
est in all railroad work in the State and was one of the original 
lessees of the Western & Atlanta railroad. His thorough edu- 
cation had enabled him to become a practical geologist and 
chemist, which was a great assistance to him in his many ex- 
periments in agricultural affairs, which occupied much of his 
time ; and, the farmers of the present day, are indebted largely 
to his liberality for the many improvements they now enjoy in 
farming and stock raising. His inclination towards agriculture 
was very pronounced, and he was not very long in the State 
before he had secured a beautiful tract of land in Gordon County, 
in the Oothcaloga valley. In referring to this land in 1878, Col. 
Peters stated in a newspaper interview : 

"I never saw any land I wanted until I saw the 
Oothcaloga valley. It struck me because it looked like the 
Chester County lands in Pennsylvania, where I had been at 
work on the Pennsylvania railroad. I bought 1500 acres in 
1847, from a Cherokee Indian, and learned afterwards that the 




Col, Richard Peters. 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories, jp 

geological formation is exactly that of Chester County." On 
this land Col. Peters established a great farm that was known 
over a large portion of the South, and was considered the finest 
farm property in the State of Georgia. It Avas and is now known 
as the '^Peters' Stock Farm," and was the pride of all Georgians. 
He spared no expense in improvments, and had the most elab- 
orate barns for his harvest and his live stock, besides a most 
elegant farm house. Not one acre was devoted to cotton, the en- 
tire area of tillable land (about 500 acres) being used in growing, 
grasses, wheat, and grain crops for live stock. It should be 
borne in mind that when Col. Peters established this farm, in 
18J:7, there was no United States Experiment Station to guide 
the stranger in all the intricacies of farming. He had to do it 
all alone, and was a pioneer in many things that are now known 
to every farmer's boy in the country. To use the Colonel's 
own language, taken from the newspaper interview above re- 
ferred to : "I started out on the theory that Western grasses 
would not thrive in Cherokee, Georgia ; everybody said 
they wouldn't, and I never thought of trying. I spent years 
in trying to get a substitute for them. I sent to England, all 
over Europe, and into Asia, buying grasses, and I tried them all 
on a Uberal scale ; at last I have reached a conclusion, that 
would have been worth thousands of dollars if I had known it ten 
years ago, and that is that the best grasses in north Georgia are 
the well-known grasses of the North and West, orchard grass, 
red clover, and blue grass, for the shade. Of these, red clo- 
ver is the best, of which I have planted 250 acres, in the past 
few years.'" 

The same difficulty was encountered in finding cattle that 
were best adapted to Georgia, more particularly for milk and 
butter purposes. Colonel Peters expended many thousands 
of dollars in experimenting with different breeds before he 
found the right kind. He paid as high as $1000 for a single 
Brahmin bull, which had been suggested to him by the well- 
known naturalist. Dr. Bachman, of Charleston, S. C. ; and, after 
spending considerable money in this experiment, he tried the 
Guernseys, and finally drifted into Jerseys, which were then 
becoming very fashionable throughout the United States. 



6o A Nezv Industry. 

In hogs we had the same trouble, trying the several well- 
known breeds, like Chester White, Poland China, Suffolk, Neo- 
politans, Prince Alberts, Berkshires and Jersey Red, and finally 
the Essex, which he found to be the most profitable hog for his 
State In sheep he spent much money, and also made experi- 
ments with bees and chickens. He introduced the culture of 
silk in the South, and was the first to plant sorghum seed, which 
has since grown to be a great industry. His aim seemed to be 
to "blaj:e flic tcaj'" on all the lines of agriculture, so that farmers 
could tell how to carry on their business to the best advantage, 
and there is no estimating the amount of good that has resulted 
from his generosity and intelligent work. 

When he was asked the question, "Does stock farming 
pay?" his reply was : 

'"It is hard to answer that question. You see through what 
untold realms of experiments it has led me. I had to demon- 
strate by costly trial, many things that are now axiomatic. I 
spent nearly $50,000 for different breeds of animals, only to 
prov2 that they were not adapted to our climate and conditions, 
I have had to search, and explore, for everything, from crops, 
down to the best fertiHzer to feed them with. It has always 
been my policy to get the best of everything, regardless, in a 
certain sense, of the cost." 

In the early 50"s, Col. Peters" attention was attracted to 
the Angora goats that Dr. J. B. Davis had imported from Asia 
Minor in 184^9, and he determined to purchase them if he could. 
Col. J. Wash Watts, of Montville, S. C, writes me that, he 
was present at the time Col. Peters made the trade with Dr. 
Davis, through which he was to get all of his pure-bred Angoras 
at $1,000.00 each, and adds: "Col. Peters was a wonderful man, 
in his way, and deserves to be on the top of the list of Angora 
breeders." In referring to this piu'chase, at a later time, the 
"Atlanta Constitution" says : 

"His venture in the Angora goat was a characteristically 
bold, and sagacious, movement, requiring nerve and foresight ; 
and, while an apparent extravagance, and seeming folly, was 
a real stroke of srenius.' 



spread of Angora Coat Industry in the States and Territories. 6i 

The following is an extract from an interview that Col. 
Peters had, in 1883, with the illustrious Henry W. Grady, of 
the "Atlanta Constitution :" 

"How did you get into the Angora goat business?" 

"I bought, in 1855, some Angoras from the first importa- 
tion made to this country from Turkey in Asia. I paid $1000- 
Lpiece in gold for Angora ewes, an unequalled price then, or since. 
They were known as the 'Cashmere' goats. I was so pleased 
with them that I made two importations myself, buying selected. 
animals, from the best flocks in Asia Minor. These cost me 
$250 apiece in gold. I then became satisfied that I could not 
get perfect animals in Asia. 

"It is part of rhe religion of the Turk not to interfere with 
the natural run of his flocks. The goats are bred carelessly, 
some of them becoming parti-colored with heavy manes on 
the neck and along the back-bone. 

"It took me twenty years, breeding by selection, to estab- 
lish a perfect animal, and get rid of the coarse mane. In 
breeding up to perfection, I found the males the only ones 
that had any effect ; selected males improved the stock, no 
matter what the females were. I have now scores of finer An- 
goras than can be found in Asia. They represent twenty years 
of breeding by selection, and the Lacrifice of every imperfect 
male." 

"What is the advantage of Angoras over sheep?" 

"They do not have to be w^atched as sheep do. They take 
care of themselves, come home at night regularly with a shep- 
herd, while sheep have to be herded and driven every night 
to the fold. They are hardier than sheep, and live on less. 
You can count on a flock doubling every year, while sheep, un- 
der the same circumstances, only average 80 per cent increase. 
They do not need to be put in close stables like sheep;; they 
want a hillside range, where they can browse instead of grazing. 
In Asia they live on the leaves and shoots of the scrub oak. 
Pure Angora bucks crossed on native goats, after eight to ten 
generations, produce animals that you cannot distinguish from 
the pure-breed." 



62. A New Jniliislry. 

"What is the chief value of the Angora?" 
"The wool; it brings from 30c to CiOc a jjoiind, and a goat 
will average three ])()un(ls safely per head. lM)rnierly wc had 
to shi]) the wool to H.ngland, but now the 'i'ingue Manufacturing 
Coinijany of Seymour, Conn., will i)urchasc every pound to 
be had, ])aying the highest market price for it. The use of 
goats' wool is I)eing increased rapidly. I'or a long time only 
fancy articles were made from it. Now, all llic plush you see 
on the seats of the railroad cars is made from it, and it is 
used for a great many oilier ])ur])oser. At last we have realized 
the significance of the old adage, 'going to a goat's house for 
wool!' in olden times it was S])oktn in ridicule, l)ut now we 
acce])l it as a verity." 

During the civil war. Col. I'elers' magnilicent fann was 
totally mined when Sherman invaded Georgia, and his fine 
l)arns were burnt'd to the ground, lie managed to save his 
goats bv driving ihem into h'lorida before the army had reached 
y\tlanta. It was a serious (|neslion with him for some time 
after the war, wlu'llu'i- lie would re-establish his farm or not, 
but iuiallv decided lo do so, and it was managed for some 
linn' b\' his son, KichaiMl iV'lers, jr., with great skill. His 
daughter, Mrs. N. I'. Illac-k, tlie widow of ex-Congressman 
iJlack, of (leorgia, has lately assumed the management, and in 
a recent comnumication she says: "A love of farming seems 
to have come to nu' b\' iulieritance, and, for this reason, I as- 
sumed the charge of alTairs three vcars ago (IS!)(i). The farm 
is in line condition, and is a worthy monument to my father's 
name. I would slate tlnit we are no longer engaged in the 
goat business, having sold out our entire lot to Dr. J. R. 
Standlcy, of Piatt Lwille, Iowa. We are now making a specialty 
of Essex hogs and jersey cattle." 

In ISliI, Col. Peters, in com])auy with Col. d. W. Adair, 
jjudl the first eleven miles of street railway in /Xllanta, of which 
com]ian\ he was president. Mis i)en was always ready when 
he bt'liex't'd he could beneiit his fellow-men in aii\ of the ex- 
periments he had couducled, and he contributed many articles 
to magazines and newspapers u])oii subjects relating to horti- 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. <5j 

culture, agriculture and live stock raising, on scientific lines. 
The surviving members of his family are a wife and six chil- 
dren — three sons, Richard, Ralph and Edward ; and three 
daughters, Mrs. Black, widow of the late ex-Congressman 
Black, Miss Nellie Peters and Mrs. Atkinson (H. M.) 

In referring to Col. Peters' death, the "Atlanta Constitu- 
tion" remarks : 

"His children, from infancy to majority, were his constant 
companions, and were influenced by him as their character 
was formed; and no father ever had better children. His 
friendship was of the purest type, and wholly unselfish, while 
his character was unblemished. There was nothing little, or 
parsimonious, about him. He leaves a large estate, which has 
long since been disposed of by will, the bulk of it being repre- 
sented in the "Peters Land Company," of which Edward C. 
Peters is President." 

Referring to the success of raismg the Angora in Georgia, 
Dr. Hayes quotes the following letter from Col. Peters, dated 
2'2d of December, 187? : 

■■£ have had great success in Angoras, and regard them as among 
the most valuable acquisitions to the resources of our husbandrj'. They 
have yielded me more substantial pecuniary profit than any other 
branch of my extended stock investments. There can be no doubt that 
in the range of the Blue Ridge, extending from Alabama to Virginia, 
they would find all the requirements cf their nature, utilize a vast country, 
and prove a source of great benefit and profit to all interested." Hayes, 
page 59. 

The constant demand for pure-bred stock, after the close 
of the war, kept Col. Peters' flock down, and he was never 
able to accumulate any large number of goats at one time. It is 
surprising that the industry was not taken up by the farmers 
in Georgia, which is doubtless explained by the fact that they 
were very much impoverished after the war of 1861-65; and, 
as cotton was high, they devoted their energies- to raising this 
crop alone. From the best information I can obtain, there " 
are not more than three hundred Angoras in Georgia at the 
present time. 



64 A Nczv Industry. 

KENTUCKY was one of the early States to take an in- 
terest in breeding the Angora, through Col Robert W. Scott 
of Frankfort — since deceased. 

In referring to this gentleman, Dr. Hayes says : 

"An esteemed correspondent, Robt. W. Scott, P. O. Frankfort, Ky., 
better known as the creator of the improved Kentucky sheep, has kindly 
sent me all his published communications on the Angora goat, of which 
he has been a breeder from the pure 'Davis,' 'Peters' and 'Eutichides' 
stock since \%6'1. Specimens of the fleeces from his pure, and cross- 
bred animals were examined by the distinguished expert on wool fiber, 
Mr. Henry Mitchell, since president of the Bradford Board of Trade, 
and myself, as official judges, and were highly commended. From these 
communications I select the following observations: 

"The gay and intelligent appearance of the Angora goats, their 
cleanly habits, active and playful disposition, make them attractive on a 
farm; while in their nattires they are so docile that they may be raised 
so as to be familiar about the house and yard, as the dog or cat. 
Though they have great curiosity and enterprise, they also have strong 
local attachments, and after wandering all day, will generally seek their 
tisual shelter at night, especially if the weather is inclement. Tht:y do 
not break fences, or clear them at a single bound, as most other stock- 
do, but will pass through a hole which is already made; will climb up a 
rail which leans at about forty-five degrees, or will bound on top of 
and then over a low fence. Any good farm fence, five feet high, will 
keep them securely, except a stone fence, which may be made easily goat- 
proof by confining, to timbers placed across the top of the fence, a 
strip of plank so placed as to project about a foot from the top of the 
f^nce on each side, so as to strike the goat in the face, and knock it back, 
"if it attempts to run over the fence. Hedge fences are not suitable to 
keep them, as they will browse on the osage-orange, or any other shrub. 
to such an extent, as to destroy it as a fence, by making it too open at 
the bottom. Like other stock, they are more troublesome after they have 
acquired roaming and breachy habits. They bear coupling, hobbling, and 
tethering, better than any other stock. In their diet they are almost om- 
nivorous, eating in winter often what they have rejected in summer. On 
large farms much the greater portion of their diet will consist of weeds, 
bushes, briers, fallen leaves, brush, etc., and they are truly valuable for 
keeping lands clear of these. In winter, short grass and corn-fodder 
are all that is required, even by the breeding flock, and I never fed grain 
of any kind to them, at any season, except some sheaf oats to old and in- 
firm ones. 

"A dry shelter is desirable for them, especially in the lambing season; 
though my flock of males and wethers, even after they have been shorn in 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. 6^ 

April, has never had any other protection than what they could obtain 
around a hay or straw stack. 

"The females have no perciptible and repulsive odor at any season 
and the males onh- during the breeding season, when they urinate on 
their fore-legs and beards; but their habits and odor are much less offen- 
sive than in the native goat, and their language of love is much less de- 
monstrative, and noisy 

"Tn breeding they are precocious, the females being capable of breed- 
at seven months, and the males often still earlier. As the females carry 
their young only five months, it is possible for them to have 
young within twelve months old, but I do not think it advisable either sex 
should breed in less than twelve or eighteen months old. Generally the 
pure-bred animals have but one at a birth (while grade and full-blood 
females will have from one to five), and with reasonable care will alwaj's 
raise as \my kids as there are mothers in the flock, and often more. If 
the weather is pleasant, and the kids cit their birth can once get drj^, 
and stand up, and suck, thej" require but little attention afterwards. 

"The mothers may sometimes lose or leave them in large pastures, es- 
pecially if they have more than one, when they are ver}^ j^oung. Like deer, 
they incline to leave their young, and return to, and suckle them at inter- 
vals, during the first few da3'S after birth. A protracted cold rain is of- 
ten fatal to a kid at the time of its birth; it is therefore desirable to house 
the females at night, during the period of parturition. The males should 
be bred to the females, so that the kids will come in pleasant weather, 
and as simultaneously as possible; for which, and other reasons, it is pre- 
ferable to keep the adult males, and wethers, separate from the breeding 
flock. The bucks are said to be valuable in protecting the flocks from the 
attacks of dogs; and under my observation the goats are most commonly 
the attacking part}% having seen them frequently charge, and drive away 
a loafing dog. They do not, by flight, invite the pursuit of dogs, as 
sheep do; and dogs do not seem to have the same disposition to worrj', 
or to eat them, which they manifest towards sheep. 

"Though goats will often bite, hook and butt each other, yet they are 
not cross with other stock, and the males do not fight, and injure each 
other, as the male sheep often do. 

"As evidence of their superior hardiness to sheep, a female, which 
was suckling a kid in July last, got her leg broken; it was amputated, 
bandaged, got well and she has run with the flock and raised her kid on 
three legs." ( See Hayes, page 62-63. ) 

Col. Scott was always recognized as one of the most prac- 
tical, and conscientious, breeders of his day, and for that reason 
I have copied his experience with che Angora Goat. It is very 
interesting to note some of the points that this eminent breeder 



66 A Nczv Industry. 

mentions with reference to the 'Yrt'o coats of hair' that these 
animals produced, which I intend to refer to in my chapter on 
breeding. 

Since the death of Col. Scott, very little attention has beer 
given to the industry in Kentucky ; and, although the State 
affords very great advantages for it, the number of Angora 
goats owned there, at the present time, is estimated to be only 
about two hundred head. 

VIRGINIA,* with her vast mountain ranges, offers pecu- 
liar advantages for goat raising, and it is surprising that the 
industry has not been established upon a large scale before this. 
The "Eutichides" importation was sent to this State, in 1871; 
but were sold out in small lots, and were all removed in a year 
or two. Dr. Hayes makes mention of an attempt upon the 
part of Gen. Herman Haupt, 

"To form a large company for the purpose of raising the Angora 
goat, but failed, on account of his inability to obtain the necessary num- 
ber of animals." ( See page 67, Hayes. ) 

There can be no doubt that \'iiginia can support an enor- 
mous number of goats, upon mountain lands that are value- 
less for other kinds of live stock, and it is not unlikely that some 
one will take up Gen. Haupt's scheme, in the near future, and 
carry it out. In a communication to Dr. Hayes, Mr. F. S. 
Fulmer, of Spring Mills, Appomattox County, Mrginia, who 
was interested in raising the Angora goat in 1875, says : 

"My goats have always been healthy. The only trouble I have is 
that they require a first-class fence which is exp>_nsive and when their 
pasture is once fenced in, I cannot afford to shift them to other pastures 
as often as would be desirable for they should have a free run in order to 
do well. I believe that the Angora goat husbandry is bound to suc- 
ceed in the newer States like Texas; but in the older States the cost of fenc- 
ing is an objection." ( See Hayes, page 100 ) 

In a letter I have received from Dr. M. Barrett, of Maidens. 
Va., dated 28th of August, 1899, this gentleman savs : 



*Col. B. Davenport, of Harpers Ferry, took the first Angora goats 
into Virginia, which he purchased from Dr. Davis in 1852. 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. 6/ 

'"I have been raising three-fourth grade Angora goats for the past 
twent}' years. I find them very strong, hearty and healthy, have nev- 
er lost one from disease. They are, I think, the best fresh meat we can 
raise. They are but little trouble, and no expense, as they do not re- 
quire feeding if let loose on the farm. They are very prolific sometimes 
kidding twice a year. I have never made use of their hair except for pad- 
ding, as it is a little coarse. They grow large, and usually, get their growth 
by the third year. There is no market for them in this section, once in 
a v-hile, however, I sell a few at $2.00 per head. I keep them for table 
meat as I think it the best fresh meat we can raise, and will soon take the 
place of sheep as we have no pasture lands. 

"The goat lives on briars, brush, weeds, pine and cedar, rarely ever 
grazing. If once we can introduce them in market they will become very 
profitable as thej' can be raised very profitably here at one dollar and fifty 
cents per head. 

"My kids at six months dress 35 to iO lbs., giving a nice lot of tallow, 
which is superior to mutton tallow, as it keeps even in warmest weather. 
The skins are very pretty and useful, as they make lovely mats, rugs or 
robes. I value my goats more than sheep. I have several goats now 
that are seventeen years old, still fat and hearty."* 

Mrginia is said to have only three hundred head of goats 
at this time. 

Mr. Diehl makes the following quotations from some of 
the breeders that he had the pleasure of meeting, or correspond- 
ing with, upon the Angora goat industry, in 1862. (See Agtl. 
Dept. Rept. for 1863, p. 22i.) 

MISSOURI. Mr. John Walker, of Fayette, a distinguishsed far- 
mer and stock raiser, who has a very superior flock of about seventy, 
saj-s: "We raised most of them in this State, and so far they have done 



*From the description Dr. Barrett gives, it is quite evident that his 
goats have degenerated, and that very little of the Angora blood remains 
in them. The hair of the Angora is alwaj^s soft, and silky, even on the 
three-quarter grades: and the kids very seldom weigh as much as Dr. 
Barrett says his will dress. Another evidence is, the Angora will never 
haA-e kids more than once a year. I would infer that the Doctor has a 
speceies of the "'Maltese" goat, which a great many people confound with 
the "Angora." His experience in handling the goat, however, is an assur- 
ance that the Angora will thrive in Virginia, and it is gratifying to be 
able to assure him that there is no longer any prejudice for goat mutton 
in our Western markets — like Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis and 
Omaha — and it is reasonable to believe the Eastern markets will soon fall 
into line. 



68 A Nczv Industry. 

remarkably well. They stood the cold weather of this winter better than 
other stock we have. They are very hardy and increase rapidly. The 
does take care of their young. The cost of keeping these goats is less 
than any other animal. They graze upon coarse herbs that are not eaten 
by any other stock, such as iron-weed, dock, mullen, briars, buds and 
broken sprouts. My buck sheared nine pounds and three quarters, and 
my pure-bred ewe five pounds."* 

But, pursuing" my inquiries further, I learned through Mr. 
Wni. J. Seever, Secretary of the "Missouri Historical Society," 
St. Louis, that a very considerable interest is being manifested, 
by c[uite a number, and that the .A.ngora is now owned, in a 
small way, by upwards of twenty farmers, throughout the State, 
and he believes the Ozark mountains, where the timber and 
brush abounds very abundantly, will afiford exceptionally fine 
advantages for the propagation of the animal. 

It is estimated that Missouri !i&s about 1500 head of An- 
goras now. 

TENNESSEE. Col. R. Williamson of Gallitin, agent of the "Sum- 
ner Cashmere Company," says by letter that, "so great has been, his suc- 
cess in breeding and selling these goats, and their crosses, that during 
1858, we disposed of twenty-seven thousand dollars worth, and with an 
increased success, until the war commenced. 

Brig. Genl. E. A. Paine, commanding the U. S. forces at Gallitin, 
Tennessee, also writes: "I have been stationed at this post for nea-ly 
eighteen months, and have been deeply interested in making myself per- 
fectly acquainted with the habits, increase and value of these animals, 
and am thoroughly satisfied that the 'Cashmere' wool is to be one of the 
greatest staples of the country. It is to be to the common wool what 
silk is to cotton." (See Diehl. Agtl. Report 1863, p. 226.) 



*In response to a letter addressed to the State Board of Agriculture, 
asking about the condition of the Angora goat industry in Missouri at 
the presnt time, Mr. J. R. Rippey, the Secretary, says: 

"T do not know of a herd of Angora goats in Missouri. Col. John 
Walker, of Fayette, Howard County, some fifteen or twenty years ago, 
had three or four hundred. At that time the wool buyers in this State 
knew nothing whatever of the value of the fieece and offered practically 
nothing for it. Then again the owners of the goats knew nothing of the 
necessary care of the fieece when it should be clipped, or as to the care 
of the goats for producing the best fieece. If there is a herd in this State 
I do not know it." 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. 6g 

NEW YORK.* Charles S. Brown of New York, writing of his flock 
of Angora and Cashmere goats, says: "AH these goats can be propa- 
gated with great profit. They are easily kept, requiring only the coarsest 
food, and will thrive better upon low bushes, than green pasture. I 
have found them robust and healthy and have never known any sickness 
among them." Diehl. Agtl. Report 1863, p. 22(3. 

MARYLAND. The Hon. Geo. A. Porter, of Baltimore, writing of 
his flock of Angora goats, says: "I herewith send you two numbers of 
the 'American Farmer' April, 1860, and July, 1861, which will give you 
some interesting particulars respecting these goats, also some idea oftheir 
value. I think you will be convinced that the half-breeds, will prove 
quite valuable. I have lived many years at Constantinople, occupying the 
post of United States Consul, and procured and shipped for Dr. Davis 
the first goats that were ever brought to this country. You will see that 
Dr. Davis and Mr. Peters, have made a profitable business crossing back 
to the full Angora." ( See Diehl. Agt. Report 1863, p. 226. ) 

OHIO, f S. S. Williams, Granville, Ohio, writes: "T have about 
one hundred head of goats. In regard to the breed of my goats, whether 
Angora or Cashmere, mine belong to that breed first introduced by Dr. 
J. B. Davis as 'Cashmeres' and which have generally gone by that name 
to this day. But, if the Cashmere goat is the animal bearing a coat of 
coarse hair, with an undergrowth of only a few ounces of fine fleece, 
then mine are not 'Cashmeres' though known as 'Cashmere' in this coun- 
try, and from the description of Rees, and others, mine are the Angora 
for they describe my goats as correctly as I can myself. I rest satisfied 
that our goat, whatever it should be called is valuable, and I care little 
for the name. I send you a sample of the wool of my buck 'Sampson' 
which clips over six pounds. Of course I think he is more valuable than 
an animal yielding only three ounces of but little finer quality." ( See Diehl 
in Agt. Report 1863, p. 228 . ) 

PENNSYLVANIA.^ Genl. J. S. Goe, Brownsville, has a fine 
flock of twenty in a good condition, beautiful and thriving. He says 
"they have stood the severe winter well, and are promising; and I am en- 
couraged with the experiment and prospect." Also Dr. F. F. Robinson 
of Freedom, Pa., says: I have been quite successful in breeding from 
the -common goat to my Cashmere buck; find them to be hardy and pro- 
lific." (See Diehl Agt. Report 1863, p. 226.) 



*The Angora was introduced into New York in 1852 by Dr. D. C. 
Ambler, of Waterville, Oneida County, who purchased a pair of young 
pure-breeds from Dr. Davis, of South Carolina, for $2,000.00. 

j- As near as I can learn, there are but a very few goats in Ohio now. 

;}; Miller & Sibley, Franklin, Pa., were more recent breeders in Penn- 



/O A Nczv Industry. 

- MASSACHUSETTS.* Winthrop W. Chenery, '^Highland Farm," 
Belmont, Massachusetts, one of the most enterprising importers, and stock 
raisers of the country has made several successful importations, and has a 
very choice flock of some twenty pure imported Angoras upon his cele- 
brated stock farm, near Boston, in a good and prosperous condition, 
where they wintered admirably, standing the rigors of the past severe win- 
ter and are doing well. Mr. Chenery feels much encouraged with his 
success in importing, and is quite confident of ultimate profit and value. 
He writes as follows: 

"The goats will prove profitable in this country and I would say that, 
with proper attention they may be bred, and raised as safely, and surely, as 
ordinary sheep. One gentleman in Western Pennsylvania, to whom I sold 
a small flock writes me that his goats are about a third heavier than they 
were and that he has no more fear of raising them ihan pigs." (See 
Diehl in Agtl. Report 1863, p. 227 . ) 

It is estimated that Massachusetts has about 1000 head of 
goats at he present time. 

The foregoing quotations and references, from the paper 
of the Hon. Israel H. Diehl, who himself, afterwards, in con- 
nection with Mr. Charles S. Brown, of New York, made quite 



sylvania, and sold quite a number of goats to breeders in the West. 
In a letter to me, of recent date, they say they have disposed of all of 
their goats, and do not know how many are in the State. I presume 
there are very few. 

* Within the past year, more for the purpose of clearing brushy land 
than for laising mohair, there have been about five hundred head of goats 
shipped into Massachusetts, and a very considerable interest is being 
manifested by the owners of lands in this class of stock. The following 
newspaper extract bearing on this question will be of some interest: 

"It looks as if the Angora goat might be the means of the reclamation 
of a lot of the abandoned farms of New England," said a woolen man from 
that section yesterday. "Two carloads of these animals have arrived at one 
of these farms in the interior of Massachusetts within the week, coming 
from Texas, I believe. The animals thrive on the rough pastures of hilly 
lands and if the climate proves suitable, there is a fortune in the wool 
and skins compared with the returns from other animals and products 
of even the better grades of New England farms. At all events, some 
friends of mine have bought a couple of these farms and are going to 
stock them with the goats and see if the scheme is not a practicable one. 
You know We will have to do something to counterbalance the stealing of 
our cotton industry from us by the people of the South." 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories, /i 

a large importation of goats from Turkey, is quite sufficient to 
prove that the Angora goat will thrive well in any portion of 
the United States, and yet it is a remarkable fact that, in each 
and every one of the States referred to by him, there are at 
the present time very few goats. There is, perhaps, but very 
little doubt that most of the so-called "breeders" he speaks of 
were gentlemen amateurs, who had been attracted to the an- 
imal more by its novelty, and beauty, than by any profit they 
expected to realize from handling it. 

Or it may be as Mr. Fulmer, of Virginia, expressed it : 

"I believe that the Angora goat husbandry is bound to succeed in 
the newer States, like Texas; but, in the old States, the cost of fencing is 
an objection." 

At all events, there was no very decided interest taken 
in the animal by stock raisers until after the close of the war 
in 1865-66, when the Western States, and Territories, seeing the 
opportunity for the establishment of a very profitable industry,, 
began to purchase some Angoras, and it is not unlikely that 
many of the goats that were formerly held in the old States 
were transferred to the new, as has been the case largely with 
sheep. 

TEXAS is entitled to the credit of leading in the move- 
ment of starting this new industry, through her very worthy 
citizen, Col. W. W.. Haupt, of Hayes County, a kinsman of 
Gen. Herman Haupt, of Virginia, referred to by Dr. J. L. Hayes. 

Col. W. W. Haupt was born in Green County, Alabama, 
in the forks of the Bigbee and Warrior rivers, on the 10th of 
February, 1828, of German-EngHsh extraction. His father was 
a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and migrated to Ala- 
bama when he was quite a young man. In 1833 he bought 
largely of lands on the Bigbee river from the Choctaw Indians, 
upon which he settled, and died very soon after. His mother 
was a woman of remarkable energy, and practical sense, as 
has been clearly demonstrated by the manner in which she 
reared her -son, who was only five years of age at the time of 
his father's death.- He received his scholastic education at 



/2 A Nczv Industry. 

DtMiiopolis, Alaljama, and was two years at the Centenary col- 
lege in Mississip])i, and two years at the Washington college; 
in Virginia, during which he drilled the Cincinnati company 
of College Cadets, on the Virginia Military Institute grounds. 
In 1848 he returned home, married, and moved to Texas, where 
he settled on a farm in the bend of the Colorado river, just 
below Bastrop. His wife was a Miss Colguin, who soon died. 
He then married her cousin, a daughter of Capt. John Rugely, 
of Matagorda County, Texas, and in December, 1857, he pur- 
chased the farm upon which he is now living, near Kyle, in 
Hayes County, where he ran the first steam cotton gin that 
was used in Western Texas, constructed with a steam whistle 
and a pipe from the boiler to the pick-room,' to extinguish fire, 
and discharged the exhaust pipe into the chimney as a spark- 
arrester — all of which was his own construction. His father 
was of an inventive turn of mind, and had the honor of digging 
the first artesian well ever sunk in the United States. 

Gen. Herman Haupt, the noted civil engineer, who still 
lives, at the age of eighty years, was a cousin, and it would 
seem that a very decided inventive strain courses through the 
Haui)t family. 

Col. Haupt was never fond of a city life, and boasts of the 
fact that he "never lived a day in town in his life." His prefer- 
ence was for a farm life, where he could surround himself with 
all the comforts of a home, and indulge his fancy for various 
kinds of live stock, of which he was especially fond. He in- 
troduced the first Essex hogs, and tirahma cattle, into Western 
Texas, and has invented many appliances for economy in farm 
work. He has always been a regular subscriber to agricultural 
papers, and has contributed many valuable articles upon various 
subjects relating to live stock and farming. 

In 1858, he thought he would like to try goats, and com- 
merxed raising some of the conmion stock ; l)ut, concluded it 
was economy to raise the best, so ne made arrangements with 
Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta, Georgia, to let him have a small 
lot of eight head, for which he paid him $100 each. This wa: 
the conmicncement of the flock of "Haupt" goats which, in 



73 




Col, W. W, Haupt. 



spread of Angora Goaf Industry in the States and Territories. 75 

]ater years, became so popular with other breeders. He was 
always exceedingly careful in b,'"eecUng", and kept a close record 
of the grade of every gor : on his farm ; and, it can be said of 
him, that he never deceived a purchaser in the character of the 
goat he sold. Knowing his own marks of breeding, he could 
easily distinguish one from another, and it was his invariable 
custom to price his animals at $30, if he selected them, or $25 
if the purchaser made the selection. 

In 1895 he concluded to turn his attention to horticultural 
farming, and was forced to dispense with his goats, for which 
he had formed a very strong attachment. He, at first, thought 
of retaining an interest in them, but finally decided to sell them 
out and out, and Mr. W. G. Hughes, of Hastings, Kendall 
County, became the fortunate owner, and is still continuing to 
breed them. 

True to his nature. Col. Haupt established his garden upon 
the most approved plan, and now has under the most skillful 
cultivation thirty acres, which is said to be the most magnificent 
sight, in the shape of a garden, that has ever been seen in the 
Stat 2 of Texas. He has several thousand fruit trees, consisting 
mostly of plums, which have prove! to be most profitable, and 
a large amount in grapes, which are likewise very productive. 
But the main product is the dewberry and blackberry, of which 
he has fifteen acres, which supports a small army of women 
and children during the "berry time." 

Depending upon the elements for water, in West Texas, 
has always resulted in failure, and Col. Haupt has provided 
against all contingencies in this respect, by the means of a pow- 
erful windmill, and a tank, covering one acre of ground, in the 
center of his garden, from which he can irrigate his land at 
will. He is now contemplating the purchase of a gasoline en- 
gine, to be used in the event of necessity, which, however, 
occurs only for a short time, in the hot months of July an( 
August. 

His magnificent estate consists of 3000 acres of beautiful 
land, 2500 of which is a pasture, on which three hundred 
improved cattle are run, and the remainder, between 400 and 
500 acres, in farm and garden. 



j6 A Nnv Industry. 

Col. Hanpt has a peculiarity of always imagining he is 
"hard up," and, with a man of his activity, it is not likely he 
would keep much loose cash around his house, yet he is recog 
nized by all who know him as being as nicely situated in the 
comforts that this world can supply as any one could wish to 
be. and his ranch is the envy of all who have had the pleasure 
of visiting it. He enjoys the good will of his neighbors, and 
is alwa}'s glad to entertain his friends. He visits town about 
once a month, but rarely takes a seat, and is back at his ranch 
in a very few hours. 

At the advanced age of seventy-two, he is as active in mind 
and body, as a man of forty, and bids fair to live a considerable 
time, which is, doubtless, explained by the even tenor of his 
hfe. 

In a recent letter, with reference to others who took an 
early interest in the Angora goat, Col. Haupt writes : 

"In regard to the Angora industry in Texas from its inception, I 
was at one time perfectly familiar with the names of all of the early breed- 
ers, but my memory is treacherous and I find difficulty in recalling names 
of most familiar faces. If Col. Parish is rilive l.e can supply you with this 
information, and a nicer gentleman never lived. The Arnold Bros, in 
the Frio Canon, were among the beginners, as was also Judge J. P. De- 
vine of San Antonio. Mr. J. V. Abranis was another breeder in the Frio 
Canon, but he sold out and moved back to the north. His 
brother, A'l. C. Abrams, now lives in Manor, Travis Coun- 
ty. Mr. R. R. Claridge, formerly of the 'Stockman & Farmer" did much 
with his pen, and paper, to encourage the industry and I regret very much 
I cannot give you the names of many more who should be referred to in 
this connection." 

The Rev. D. S. Babb was one of the early breeders, having 
started his flock in the seventies from Col. Peters' stock of 
goats. Mr. Babb is still engaged in the business, and has a 
fine flock near Sonora, Sutton County. 

Mr. R. H. Lowry, of Camp San Saba, was another of the 
early breeders, who started with some of the "Haupt" stock, 
and later some from Messrs. Peters and Landrum. 

The success which attended the introduction of the Angora 
goat into Texas was qtute remarkable in the increased weight 
of fleece over the s.-oats that had been raised in Georgia. 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories, jy 

Referring to this subject. Judge J. P. Devine, of San 
Antonio, in a letter to Dr. J. L. Hayes, says: 

"Col. Peters expressed much surprise when I told him of the heavy 
clips sheared from the same class of goats that in Georgia sheared much 
less. As the goats have an inexhaustible quantity of rich evergreen food, 
all during the winter, they are. in better condition than at same season 
elsewhere, and consequently the clip is heavier; and the dry atmosphere 
gives the same gloss, or lustre to the hair that it has in Asia; and some 
think, our production is the glossiest. The heaviest fleece I have ever 
taken from a pure nanny, was three and one-half pounds, also from Col. 
Peters' stock, whose pure-bloods, I think, cannot be rivalled for gloss, 
a id length of staple, by any pure bloods I have ever seen, and they com- 
pare very favorably with other pure-bloods in the weight of their clips. 

"The heaviest fleece I have ever seen clipped from a grade goat was 
from one of my original breeding billies, which sheared six and a half or 
seven and a half pounds, I forget which, at three years of age in 1877; and I 
have sheared four and five pounds from several other grades.* So 
you will see that a high grade will shear fully as much, and even more, 
hair than the best specimens of pure blood, and have all the dis- 
tinguishing marks of a pure blood; and without you take a 
strong glass, you cannot distinguish any difference in the fibre; and. con- 
sequently the great difficulty of discovering a fraudulent 'pure-blood" 
except you put him to nannies, and then hlood zvill tell. ( See Playes, page 
112. ) 

Judge Devine took a great deal of pride in his goats up 
to the day of his death, which occurred shortly after that of 
Col. Richard Peters, between whom there seems to have grown 
up quite an attachment. I have been informed that it was 
always the wish of Col. Peters thai Judge Devine should con- 
trol his flock of goats after his death ; but, it was ordered other- 
wise, and these two leading lights in the Angora goat industry 
of this country passed away very close together, and their re- 



*It should be borne in mind that this letter was written about twenty 
years ago and it is proper to state that the shearing capacity of Angoras 
has increased considerably over what Judge Devine then referred to. 
Attention is called to the "Notes of Practical Breeding" upon this sub- 
ject. 

Plate XVII represents two full-blood does, raised by Judge Devine, 
which sheared four and a half pounds in 1896. 



7^ A Nnv Industry. 

spective flocks have gone into other hands, to be improved on 
it is hoped.* 

Great credit is due to Col W. D. Parish, of Seguin, Texas, 
who is mentioned by CoL Haupt as being one of the early 
breeders. This gentleman secured two very fine goats from a 
sea captain, who had brought them direct from Constantinople 
to Galveston in 1875, but he had been interested in the industry 
several years before this. The impression prevails in the minds 
pi many breeders that Mr. Parish made a direct importatioi 
himself ; but this appears to be a mistake. 

Mr. Jno. S. Harris writes me that when he was in Con- 
stantinople, in 1876, he investigated all the shipments of goats 
that had been made to this country up to that time and there 
were none mentioned as having been exported to Mr. Parish 
in person. 

Mr. Jno. S. Brown, of Sonora, Sutton County, Texas, a 
personal friend of Mr. Parish, says he remembers distinctly 
that in 1867 or 1868 he (Mr. Parish) stopped with him after 
having gone somewhere for the goats that he first started his 
flock with. There were two or three wagon loads of them, 
and they were at his ranch two or three days resting. Mr. 
Parish was then going to his ranch in Kendall County. 

Mr. Geo. W. Baylor, of Montell, Uvalde County, writes 
me that 

"In his opinion Mr. Parish did as much towards starting the Angora 
goat industry in Texas as any one. After he sold his ranch in Kendall 
County, he moved to Old Mexico and engaged in mining." 

There is very little doubt but the goats that Mr. Parish 
brought into Texas in 1867-68, referred to by Mr. Brown, had 
been purchased by him from one of the importations that 
had been made about that time by Mr. W. W. Chenery, of 
Boston. It matters very little, however, where they came from 
They were exceptionally fine goats, and the "Parish" stock 
of Angoras figures extensively as a pure-blooded strain in many 
of our flocks today, the owners of which are very proud of. 

*The flock of Col. Richard Peters was sold to Dr. J. R. Standley 
of Platteville, Iowa, and the "Devine" goats were parcelled out to several 
breeders, Mr. Gunzer buying quite a number, and Mr. J. W. Garrett of 
Mountain Home. I understand, purchased some also. 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. 79 

The industry in Texas made but very little progress vuitil 
within the past tew years, when the demand for Angoras to 
be shipped into the Northern States, more especially Iowa 
and Kansas, commenced ; and it is safe to say it is now upon 
a very firm foundation, and will continue to grow rapidly from 
this time forward. 

There is a vast stretch of territory in the western border 
of the State that is unfitted for any other class of stock, which 
Avill sooner or later be occupied by gcat breeders. 

It is estimated there are at least 100,000 head of Angoras 
now m Texas, ranging from one-half bloods up to full-bloods, 
besides a number of pure flocks started from the "Peters," 
"Haupt," "Parish," "Devine," and "Plarris" (& Baylor) goats. 

CALIFORNIA was second to begin raising mohair, and 
too much credit cannot be paid to Mr. Wm. M. Landrum for 
the enterprise, and perseverance, that he displayed in carrying 
the first Angora goats into that State. He had thought of the 
matter some time, and, in 1860, decided to make the experi- 
ment, and arranged with Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta, 
Georgia, to let him have a couple of young bucks from his 
breeding of the "Davis" goats. He had expected to 
return to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, 
but the rate of passage having been advanced enormously ($600 
for himself and the same for live stock, which embraced his 
little goats), he was forced to abandon the ocean route and go 
overland, a distance of over 3000 miles that he had to travel 
by wagon, at the slow average of 21 miles per day. He 
reached California in the year 1861, with his two goats, and 
begati improving some common short-haired goats at once. 
The climate proved to be admirably adapted to them, and from. 
that day to the present he has been closely identified with the 
industry, His name has been so long associated with that of 
the Angora goat they have almost become synonymous. 

Mr. Landrum is a native of Georgia, and was born near the 
line of the Cherokee Nation, on the 10th of April, 1829. His 
father, lames H. Landrum, was born, and raised, in Rutherford 



8o A ' Nezv Industry. 

County, Tennessee, and moved back to his native State when 
W. ]\I. was (|uite a small boy, and he was sent to school at 
A'ersailles. In 1845 the family returned to Forsyth County, 
Georgia, and in 1847, at the age of- eighteen, he engaged in 
the agricultural implement business, making everything used 
by a farmer in those days, from his gun to a crowbar — plows 
for cotton cultivation being a specialty. In May, 1850, he and 
his father went to California where the father remained until 1853 
and then returned to Georgia. W. M. stayed there, and engaged 
in farming and hog raising. He was one of the first men to 
sow grain in the great San Joaqui i valley, in the fall of 1852. 
Dr. Ash, Dr. Chambers, Judge Emory, George Islip and him- 
self sowed the first grain in that noted valley, and had to pay 
'■35c per pound for seed, and $5.00 per day for labor. He made 
a number of improvements in machmery for plowing, and har- 
vesting, and was successful generally. 

In 1860 he returned to Georgia for the purpose of getting 
some of the Angora Goats from Col. Peters, which he carried 
all the way to California by the overland route, as above stated. 

In J 863 he went into Mexico under contract to build some 
mining machinery and a grist mill. He returned to Califcnia 
in 1866, and took charge of his goats, which he had placed in 
his father's care during his stay in Mexico, and determined upon 
making a second importation, which he did in 1867, bringing 
eight selected goats from the W. W. Chenery importation to 
Boston, Mass. 

The following year Mr. Landrum sold a one-half interest 
in his goats to Butterfield & Son, and the business was then 
conducted under the firm name of Landrum, Butterfield & 
Son. The new firm added two choice bucks to their flock from 
the Diehl & Brown importation, one of which was the celebrated 
hornless "Costamboul." The same year Col. Peters shipped 
twenty-five head of choice pure-breeds to the Pacific coast in 
charge of Mr. E. Holland, seventeen of which were purchased 
by Landrum, Butterfield & Son. In 1870 Diehl & Browr 
shipped out the most of their flock, of which about sixty head 
survived and were placed in the hands of Butterfield & Son 
to be kept on shares, and sold on commission. 




Wm M. L\ndrum. 



Sf^rcad of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. H^ 

The firm was soon after this dissolved, and Mr. Landrum 
secured, by purchase, the largest number of the firm's goats, 
among which was the hornless "Costamboul" buck above men- 
tioned. 

In 1870 Mr. Landrum formed a partnership with Jamef: 
M. Rodgers, selling him one-half interest in his goats and 
sheep, and the business was afterwards carried on under the 
name of Landrum & Rodgers. 

In 1872 the new firm made a large purchase from the 
"Peters" flock, which gave them the prominence of being the 
largest holders of pure-bred Angora goats in the United 
States at that time. 

Mr. Landrum was instrumental in starting the industry in 
CJregon, Xew Mexico and Utah. 

Jn ( )rtgon he had great success, and decided to move 
his entire flock to the State. In 1883 he shipped his pure 
bloods to Texas and established a ranch in Uvalde County, 
where he now resides, enjoying excellent health at the ad- 
vanced age of seventy-one years, in full possession of his great 
energy, which has been one of his chief characteri,stics through 
life. He is a strong believer in the industry, and is actively 
engaged in breeding and distributing his goats, in which his 
sons, W. E. and F. O. Landrum, are of great assistance. 

Jn addition to the goats taken into California by Mr. 
Landrum and his business associates, Mr, Brock imported a 
few from a flock owned by Mr. Ogden in Ohio, in the year of 
JSr;4. 

In 1867, Gray & Gilmore imported nine head from the 
\V. W. Chenery flock, in Boston, and the following year they 
brought in seven more ; and Flint and Sargent three ; all of 
which were out of the "Chenery" flock. 

In 1871, Shirland &; Thomas imported eight head from the 
"Eutichides" flock, and in 1872 they made a second importa- 
tion. 

in 1870, Mr. Jno. S. Harris, in connection with Mr. Wm. 
Hall, imported twelve head from Asia Minor, consisting of 
two bucks and ten does, which, with the increase of three kuU 



84 A Nczv Industry. 

on the way to this country, made fifteen head. These goats 
were selected by Mr. Harris in person, and were considered 
to be very superior animals. 

In 1893, Mr. C. P. Bailey imported from South Africa 
two bucks, one of which was considered very fine, and in 1899 
this same gentleman made a second importation of several 
nure. 

At the present time it is estimated there are fully 40,000 
head of well-improved goats in California, which, as a rule, are 
held in large flocks. 

OREGON began raising the Angora in 18()9 or 1870, and 
the credit is due to Mr. Ari Cantrell for having started the in- 
dustry, which has proven to be very profitable to all who have 
engaged in it. Mr. Geo. A. Houck, of Eugene, Oregon, 
writes under recent date that, 

"Mr. Ari Cantrell brought the first goats to the Willamette Valley 
sometime in the latter part of '69 or '70's. He bought 150 head of three- 
fourths and seven-eighths nannies from Mr. Butterfield of California at 
$12.60 per head. He also bought a pure-bred billy, 'Old Boxer' and a 
one-year-old nanny, giving for the two the price of $1600.00 or $1000 for 
'Old Boxer' and $500.00 for the nanny. Mr. Cantrell brought the common 
goats overland, and had the fine ones shipped, and stopped with the whole 
band near Corralles in Burton County. He afterwards bought pure- 
bloods from Landrum and Rodgers, and from other parties but I have 
heard him say that none were as good as 'Boxer.' 

The cHmate of Oregon has proven to be admirably adapted 
to the production of the Angora, end it is believed by many 
that the character of mohair from that State is superior to any 
in America. 

The industry has grown very .steadily. The flocks are not 
large, as a general thing, ranging from fifty to 350 head (with a 
few large ones), which are used chiefly for cleaning up brushy 
lands for farming and grazing purposes. 

It is estimated there are at leact 80,000 head of highly im- 
proved goats in the State at the present time. 

The industry was organized at Independence in 1896 under 
the name of "The Oregon Angora Goat Breeding Association," 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. 8j 

of which Mr. J. H. Hawley, of Monmouth, is president ; Hon. 
Jno. B. Stump, of Monmouth, vice-president, and L. G. Garnett, 
of Portland, is secretary. 

NEV ADx^ has in the vicinity of five thousand head of An- 
goras, many of the owners residing in Cahfornia. 

NEW MEXICO offers very fine inducement for the 
breeding of goats in many parts of the Territory. 

Mr. Maxwell, of the "Maxwell Land Grant Farm," took 
seventy head into the Territory in 1872, and Mr. Frank Garst 
took live hundred fine goats from California in 1882, but has 
since that time moved his entire holdings into Texas. 

It is estimated there are 30,000 head at this time in the 
Territory, among which are several very superior flocks. 

The "Onderdonk Live Stock Company," of Lair.y, z:2 
holders of about eight thousand head of the common short- 
haired Mexican goat, and it has been reported that they have 
just made a beginning, and intend to increase the numl^er to 
fifty thousand, which they expect to breed for the hide, prin- 
cipally. 

This report, however, is groundless, as may be learned from 
the following cjuotation from a letter addressed to me by Mr. 
Clias. S. Onderdonk, the general manager of the company. 

"It has been the general impression in the West that we are raising 
common goats for their skins alone. This impression gained ground from 
the fact that the President of our Company is the largest tanner of goat 
skins in the world; is very prominent in the East; and the newspapers, 
knowing that he is connected with us naturally supposed that we were 
raising goats for the purpose of supplying him with skins. You can 
appreciate the absurdity of this when I tell you that he has a capacity for 
tanning fafty thousand goat skins every ten hours. From this you can se^ 
that the whole territory of New Mexico could not supply him, if it was 
all devoted to goat raising. We started in to raise the common goat, 
both for the skin and for the meat; but, we are now also turning our 
attention to the raising of the Angora, the skin of which you know, is 
of very little value for leather purposes." 

Mr. D. C. Taylor, of Lake Valley, is a breeder of the An- 
gora, and speaks in the highest terms of the Territory as 
adapted to the raising of them, and there is very httle doubt 
but the industry will extend very rapidly. 



86 A Nczv Industry. 

Mr. J. C. Hig'htower, of Ruidoso, is another very success- 
ful breeder. 

It is estimated that New Mexico has upwards of sixty 
thousand goats of all kinds, of which, perhaps, one-half, or 
thirty thousand, are graded Angoras. 

IDAHO has but few breeders of Angora goats, but is 
quite prominent in the industry, from the fact that Mr. Jno. S. 
Harris, who formerly ranched in California, and who visited 
Cashmere and Asia Minor, in 1876, and brought back twelve 
head of very fine Angoras from the latter country, selected this 
territory as combining more of the characteristics of Asia 
Minor than any portion of the Northwest, where he moved 
in 1884. 

Mr. Harris was born in Scotland, in 1836, went to 
California in 1868, and married Miss Josephine Whittin, 
of that State, engaging in cattle raising in San Benito County. 
In the early seventies, his attention was first attracted to the 
Angora goat. Referring to the subject, in a recent letter, he 
says : 

"It was in the early 70's that I first got interested in the 'Cashmere 
goat,' as it was called in those days, and the newspapers, and those who 
were engaged in raising them at that lime, represented that the fieece 
was manufactured into fine Cashmere shawls. Butterfield and Land- 
drum had some of them which the}' kept on the mountains at Mr. But- 
terfield's place on the San Benito river, some fifteen miles from where I 
was living. Landrum lived in Watsonville, in the same county, Monte- 
rey. I lived on the edge of a farming district and kept a small bunch of 
cattle. In the fall, after the grain was cut, Mr. Butterfield used to bring 
his goats and sheep down to be pastured on the wheat-stubble, and I be- 
came greatly interested in the goats, and traded cattle with him for about 
seventy-five head of his grades, which was my first introduction to the 
'Angora.' I estimate the cost of the goats I received from Butterfield 
sixteen dollars each and am well satisfied now that they were not more than 
half-breeds. Mr. Butterfield afterwards asked me to take care of his en- 
tire lot of goats consisting of some thoroughbreds which had been ship- 
ped to him by Diehl & Brown to be kept on shares. There were about 
sixty head of the Diehl & Brown goats, being the last of the importation 
made by Hon. Israel H. Diehl in 1870. I had them in my care for some 
time and tried to learn all I could about them. Mr. Butterfield would 
sometimes come to see them and would always pick out individual ani- 




John S. Harris. 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. 80 

mals and say that is a 'Thibet,' and this is a 'Cashmere,' and those you 
see there are 'Angoras,' 'Bei-Bazar,' and 'Kastamboul.' I am well satisfied 
now that Butterfield did not know anything at all about them. Upon 
one of his visits, he brought with him a Mr. Wm. Hall of San Jose, Cal., 
who purchased all of the goats (140) and ?.bout one hundred and fifty head 
of Buck sheep for $19,000.00, which he asked me to continue to care for 
until I heard from him again. 

"I had made up my mind to try and learn something about these goats 
from headquarters, and as I had an old schoolmate living in India I 
wrote to ask him what he knew about the 'Cashmere' goat. He wrote 
me that it was a long way from where he was (Madras) to Cashmere, but 
he sent me a sample of their wool which was so beautiful, and fine, that 
I at once determined to have some of the animals direct from their na- 
tive home. 

"In the meantime I had sent a sample of the hair from a buck which 
Butterfield had valued in the sale at $500.00 to Paisley, Scotland, which 
they reported to me was too coarse for them to use but it was estimated 
to be worth twenty cents per pound in Bradford, England. 

"This convinced me that the goats that I had in charge for Mr. Hall 
were not the real stuff, and I set my house in order to visit Cashmere 
where I intended to make a purchase of some, for my own use. 

"I notified Mr. Hall that I wanted 10 see him and he wired me that 
he would be at San Jose on a certain day. In my letter to him I had en- 
closed the reply I had received about the goat hair I had sent to Paisely, 
Scotland, and stated to him I was preparing to go to Cashmere. 

"When we met, he remarked that, he had no acquaintance with the An- 
gora goat, and had bought them from Butterfield upon speculation, with 
the expectation of establishing a large goat ranch in old Mexico upon a 
grant of one million acres of land which he was then arranging to have 
legally fixed in the State of Chihuahua. He stated that, if I would go 
to Cashmere he would be glad to join me in the undertaking, which was 
then and there agreed upon, and I was to be the general manager of 
the ranch upon my return. But 'man proposes and God disposes,' for, 
when I was in the City of Angora a telegram was flashed across the ocean 
that the Bank of California had failed, and the few commercial men in 
that city seemed to think that the whole of America had gone under. 
Mr. Hall was largely interested in the bank, and was also a large owner 
in Virginia City both in property and mining stock; the bottom went out 
of 'Comstock' which caused Ralston, the president of the Bank of Cali- 
fornia to commit suicide; a revolution in Mexico occurred about the 
same time, which upset our Mexican grant of land, to say nothing of 
the loss of money spent in getting the bill passed; and to make a long 
story short the great castle we had built in the air had tumbled all into 
little pieces, and when I returned to the United States with twelve head 
of as fine goats as ever came across the water, into any country, I was 



po A Nciv IndnsiVj,. 

very glad to settle down on my old ranch in California. The twelve head 
of goats had cost us $6500.00 and Mr. Hall was partner with me in the 
business until 1880 when I bought his interest and have gone it alone ever 
since that time." 

Referring to his trip to India, and into the Hymalaya 
motnitains to reach Cashmere, Mr. Harris mentions it with 
as much unconcern as one would a journey OA^er our own 
Rocky mountains into CaHfornia, Httle dreaming that his Hfe 
was in danger every moment of the time he was there. The 
foHowing letter from the governor's secretary of Punjab, an 
English official at Lahore, India, which was very kindly given to 
him by that gentleman, by way of assisting him in his travels, 
will be interesting : 

Government of India, 
Lahore, 9th Sept., 1875. 
My Dear Jenkins: 

I give this to a very intelligent man named John S. Harris who came 
all the way from California to get a dozen Cashmere buck goats to im- 
prove his stock in the former country. Considering the man knows noth- 
ing of the language I think it shows he is a very sporting character to 
come so far on such a speculation, and deserves every assistance. The 
man is game to go into Cashmere to buy the goats himself, but he has 
only a month left before he must leave the Valley again. I have advis- 
ed him to go and see you as I have no doubt you will admire the fellow's 
pluck, and do all you can to help him, or if you send a man up to 
Jehlum either with him, or alone, you could get from the Maharaja's peo- 
ple, the goats. He has money to pay. It is really a very enterprising thing 
and you are just the man to appreciate arid encourage it so I do not hes- 
itate to ask you to help him. Best regards. 

Yours sincerely, 
M. MAUGHER. 

Mr. Harris, very fortunately, made the journey without 
trouble, and then decided to go into Asia Minor and look at 
the goats in that country before purchasing any. Passing 
through the Sviez canal, at Port Said, he took passage on a 
vessel that was manned entirely by Russians, and there was 
only one passenger, besides himself, who seemed to be an 
educated person. No one on board was able to speak English 
until they reached Tripoli, when a young lad of fifteen got on, 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. Qi 

who proved to be a Greek, and had attended an American mis- 
sion school at Smyrna and had been on a visit to his parents, 
and was on his return to schooL 

''This boy." Mr. Harris writes, "was kind enough to act as my inter- 
preter, and I was pleased to learn that my fellow-passenger was a scholar 
of great learning, and was a native of the interior of Asia Minor. The 
boy told me he was a professor of a language that was now nearly dead, 
belonging to tribes that formerly inhabited the interior of Asia Minor, 
and he had been for the past year at Cyprus studying ancient Greek. The 
people of the Isle of Cyprus had originally been driven from Asia Minor 
by the Mohammedans. He said he was well posted on the Angora goat 
and if the weather was good the next day, he would get out a book on the 
ancient history of Asia Minor and it had in it some beautiful steel en- 
gravings of the original Angora goat. The young lad read the book and 
interpreted to me, the Turkish gentleman sitting beside us and explaining: 

"The book stated that about Alexander the Great's time, before Mo- 
hammed, and his Arab followers conquered Asia Minor, there lived a 
tribe of people in those mountains that kept beautiful mohair goats, and 
made from their fleeces fine fabrics and disposed of them to the nobility 
of the neighboring countries. The engravings showed the family in 
their rude dwelling fondling and playing with their goats, and the book 
stated that it was customary to bathe the animals in the wine of Cyprus, 
and comb their hair with ivory combs dipped in olive oil. 

"In my travels through Asia Minor I saw evidences of large cities, 
that had existed at some period, or other, but were now totally ruined, be- 
ing in a desert, waste place, where there was no sign of vegetation or life 
of any kind, yet the ruins of the city was proof that this great plateau 
country was one time largely populated. 

'Tt has often occurred to me, since I left Angora that, there was a 
time when a beautiful, perfect mohair goat existed in that country very 
different from any that I saw there or that has been imported into this 
country. The engraving I saw in the book just referred to showed no 
long pendant ears; but small ones and the animal seemed to be small, and 
very intelligent. If it would be of any benefit to trace the history of this 
beautiful animal I feel quite sure that much information can be had in 
Greek history." 

Mr. Harris has devoted great care in the breeding of his 
goats, and has never used any bucks but those of his own 
raising, and by careful selection has greatly improved the gen- 
eral appearance of them, besides adding largely to their mo- 
hair-producing qualities. His original goats sheared 9 pounds 
for bucks and 4 pounds for does ; and he has raised one buck 



()2 A Neiv Industry. 

that sheared as high as I8I/2 pounds and does as high as 9 
pounds. The tuft on the forehead is pure mohair, six to seven 
inches long, and as fine as any portion of the fleece, which is 
a strong evidence of the great strength of blood they possess. 

For a number of years he did not offer any bucks for 
sale, making wethers out of them, and deriving his profit from 
mohair alone, but he has recently divided his fiock into three 
parts, placing one in Texas, in partnership with Mr. Geo. W. 
Baylor, at Montell, Uvalde County, ad another at Salem, Ore- 
gon, in connection with Mr. J. B. Early, keeping the remaining 
third at his home in Oakley, Idaho, for the purpose of supplying 
other breeders with males, for which he receives a great many 
orders ; and, it was for the purpose of supplying his customers 
at a distance with bucks that he determined on dividing up 
his flock. 

Although Mr. Harris is on the shady side of sixty, he 
cannot be called an old man, for he is as full of vigor, and en- 
terprise, as a man of forty; and, if he thought he could find 
any better stock of goats than he already has, he would not hesi- 
tate to make another journey to the remotest corner of the 
earth to get them. 

He has been blessed with three children, two girls and a 
boy, who take the same pride in his fine fiock of goats as he 
does himself. 

There are probably not over one thousand head of Angora 
goats in Idaho, the majority of which belong to Mr. Harris. 

UTAH got her start in 1873 or 1873 through Brigham 
Young, President of the Mormon Church. He purchased two 
pure-blooded animals from Mr. Wm. M. Landrum, since when 
dher stock has been imported and it is estimated they now have 
3000 to 4000 head. 

WYOMING has paid but little attention to the industry, 
and has only about 3000 goats. 

WASHINGTON has only a limited number, perhaps 2,500 
They were first started there in 1881. 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. 95 

MONTANA has but few breeders. They were first intro- 
duced about 1881, by Mr. T. C. Miles of Silver Bow. Mr. H. A. 
Brannin of Marysville, has a small flock and speaks very encour- 
agingly of the climate, etc. It is estimated they have one thous- 
and Angoras now. 

MINNESOTA has only a few. Mr. C. D. TuthiU of Tut- 
hill, Anoka County, was perhaps the first to become interested 
in them in 1894 and his experience is assuring that Minnesota 
is well adapted to their propagation. It is estimated there are 
about 500 head in the State at this time. 

NORTH CAROLINA. Mr. T. K. Bruner, Secretary 
Board of Agriculture, writes that : 

"The Angora was introduced into North Carolina about twenty years 
ago by Mr. Jno. A. Boyden of Sahsbury, N. C, but very Httle attention 
was paid to them and they strayed ofif into the mountains and were shot 
by mountaineers as wild game. Mr. Lafayette Holt of Burlington, N. C, 
is interested in a small flock, which he started in 1893." 

One hundred head will probably cover the number of goats in 
North Carolina at present. 

NEBRASKA has no Angora goats, but a correspondent 
from Gering, in that State, who seems to be very much interes- 
ted in the industry, writes : 

"We have the best goat country in Northwestern Nebraska that can 
be found anywhere." 

ARIZONA received her first goats in 1882 through Col. 
Wm. Hardy, of Phoenix, and, it is estim.ated, there are upwards 
of ten thousand in the Territory at the present time 

NORTH DAKOTA. Mr. O. O. Johnson, Dep. Com.. 
Agr. writes : "There are no Angora goats in North Dakota." 

SOUTH DAKOTA. Dr. F. A. Spofford, of Flandreau, 

writes : 

"From my connection as Regent of Education with the State 
Agricultural College, I must say that, so far as I can ascertain no one 
has engaged in raising goats in this State. A year ago we corresponded 
with dififerent parties with a view to their introduction upon the College 
farm, but up to this time nothing has been done. I am personally very 
much interested in this question." 



g4 A Nczv Industry. 

COLORADO has taken but little interest in the Angora 
up to this time, and has perhaps six thousand head of goats. 

KANSAS has just commenced breeding the Angora goat, 
and, judging from the interest that is being manifested by her 
people she will play a very prominent part in the industry very 
soon. Mr. R. C. Johnson of Lawrence, writes me under date 
o: 15th February, 1899 : 

"I have handled 3500 head of Angora goats, since September and ex- 
pect to handle that many more before 1st of June of which I have 2000 now 
on the way from Texas. I had no idea of the demand for goats when I 
entered the business, and it is on the increase. I purchased the 'Gun- 
zer' flock of goats for my own breeding. They are said to be one of the 
finest flocks in the State of I'exas."* 

It is 'estimated that Kansas has at least 5000 goats at the 
present time. 

OKLAHOMA recieved her first Angoras in 1890, and has 
pernaps two thousard head. 

ILLINOIS has very few Angoras, and has only recently 
taken any notice of the animal. In reply to a letter addressed 
to the Secretary of the Illinois Statu Board of Agtl. in August, 
Mr. W. C. Garrard writes: 

"I don't think they are raised here at all." 
Btit Mr. C. S. Horn of Chicago, informs me that he 

"Imported a car load in the early part of 1899 for the purpose of 
cleaning some brush land, he had purchased near Quincy, and that he has 
been remarkably well pleased with his investment." 

I suppose three hundred head will cover the number owned 
in Illinois today ; but, to judge from the vast amount of brushy 
lands that are in the State I am ((uite sure many others will 
follow in the footsteps of Mr. Horn. 

MICHIGAN. Mr. C D. Smith, Director of Michigan Ex- 
periment Station, writes: ^' 



*The "Gunzer" flock of goats was started from "Di.ine" stock, and 
'.re said to be a very superior lot of Angoras. 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in ihc States and Territories. 05 

'"I am now looking up the question of Angora goats for some of our 
poorer lands in Crawford and adjacent counties. I know of no extensive 
breeders of goats in this State." 

One hundred head will probably cover all the Angoras now 
lield in Michigan. 

INDIANA. According to a "Report of the Indiana State 
Board of Agriculture," published in 1866, an effort was made to 
encourage the raising of the Angora goat in Indiana and the 
"Committee on Awards" strongly recommended the raising of 
this class of animal because they were found to be very profit- 
able. See Agtl. Rept. for 1867, p. 353. 

Mr. Charles F. Kennedy, the present Secretary of the Ind- 
iana State Board of Agriculture, writes under date of 9th Aug- 
ust, 1899, that 

"There are very few Angora goats in the State of Indiana." 

Dr. P. C. Plaster of Indianapolis, writes me that interest in 
the animal is being revived, and it is not unlikely that consider- 
able numbers will soon be introduced into the State. 

MAINE. A report was circulated some years ago by an 
Eastern newspaper that a strong syndicate had been formed to 
raise the Angora goat upon a mammoth scale, and that they 
contemplated starting with one hundred thousand goats. 

In reply to an inquiry about the matter, Mr. B. Walker 
McKeen, Secretary of the Agtl. Dept. of the State, says : 

"Whatever you may have seen in print in relation to the matter 
originated in the fertile brain of a newspaper reporter and has no foun- 
dation whatever in fact. We have no Angora goats in our State." 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. Mr. N. J. Bachelder. Secretary of 
Board of Agriculture, writes : 

"We know nothing about Angora goats." 

VERMONT. Mr. C. J. Bell, Master of Vermont State 
Grange, writes : 

"I do not know of any Angora goats in the State." 



p<5 A Nnv Industry. 

CONNECTICUT received some Angoras soon after they 
were first introduced into the United States, as did Massachu- 
setts ; but there was never any very general interest taken in 
the industry, and only a very few farmers have kept them. 

Mr. James A. Bill of Bill Hill P. O., writes me that, he 

"Has been breeding a few for thirty years, and has found them 
the most profitable part of his farm." 

It is estimated Connecticut has three hundred Angoras. 

ARKANSAS. Has no Angora goats, but has some com- 
mon stock. 

ALABAMA. Has no Angora goats, but has some of the 
common stock. 

LOUISIANA. Has some common and probably three 
hundred head of Angoras. 

MISSISSIPPI. Has no Angora goats, and a few thous- 
and common. 

The last named States have all got more or less of the com- 
mon short-haired goat and there is no doubt but that the An- 
gora can be made very profitable in many sections of these 
vStates except where the land is low and swampy. 

IOWA did not take any particular notice of the Angora 
goat until 1893, when Dr. J. R. Standley of Platteville, in Taylor 
County, imported between three and four hundred for the pur- 
pose of clearing some hazel-brush land, and his success vv^as so 
remakable that it has resulted in making Iowa the third largest 
Angcra State in the Union. It is estimated there are at least forty 
thousand head of Angora goats in this State at the present 
time, which have been shipped principally from Texas ; and, to 
judge from the great number of inquiries that are being made by 
farmers who think of patterning after Dr. Standley's very prac- 
tical way of clearing land, it is safe to predict that, Iowa will 
soon outstrip all other States, in point of numbers. The amount 
of good that has resulted, and will result hereafter, from this 
gentleman's enterprise, is immeasurable. It has not only been 
of immense benefit to the owners of land in his own State, but 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. Q7 

has extended into other States as well, and has injected new life 
into the industry in all of the States that have been raising Ango- 
ras for mohair. There is not a single State that has not already 
felt the influence of his work, and the demand that has been 
created for goats, to be used in clearing brushy lands alone, 
will call for more animals than can possibly be furnished from 
the present supply, which will result in the building up of a very 
large industry in all of our Western States and Territories, 
where suitable lands can be controlled at a reasonable expense. 

Dr. vStandley was born in Hendrix County, Indiana, 22d 
December, 1831. His parents moved to Putnam County, in the 
same State, when he was an infant, and in 1845 they moved to 
Pike County, Illinois, where they remained until the spring of 
1850, and then moved to Davis County, Iowa, where the Doc- 
tor reached his majority. He was partly educated in Indiana, 
Illinois and Iowa, entering the Iowa State University at Keo- 
kuk, from which institution he graduated as a Doctor of Medi- 
cine in 1855, and he secured a second diploma, as a physician, 
in 1889, from the Kentucky School of Medicine, at Louis- 
ville. On the 4th July, 1854, he was married to Miss Radical 
Hornback of Pittsfield, Illinois, with whom he settled on a large 
tract of land he had acquired in Jefferson, T. P., Taylor County, 
where he has resided ever since. 

He practiced his profession, more or less, but having a 
great fondness for agriculture devoted much of his time to farm- 
ing and stock raising, which he always conducted upon scientific 
lines, and prided himself upon having the most improved strains 
of cattle, sheep and hogs, that could be purchased. 

With his characteristic enterprise he established a store, 
to supply himself, and neighbors, with merchandise, which had 
to be hauled, by wagon, from the Missouri river at St. Joseph, 
Mo., a distance of seventy-three miles. He set aside a certain 
part of land for school and religious purposes which has resulted 
in the building up of the thriving little village of Platteville, sit- 
uated about midway between Blockton, on the "Chicago & 
Great Western R. R.," and, Bedford, on the "Chicago, Burling- 
ton & Ouincy," which is now supplied with a daily "^-ail and tele- 
phone service. 



p8 A Nczv Industry. 

About six hundred acres of his farm had been left in tim- 
ber, for pasture purposes, but the hazel-brush soon became very 
thick, and interfered greatly with the growth of grass. The com- 
mon method for getting rid of this nuisance w^as, to cut the brush 
down, and run sheep, and cattle, on it, but the Doctor only suc- 
ceeded in clearing eighty acres of it in fifteen years, and for a 
man of his progressive ideas this was altogether too slow a way. 
The cost of grubbing" up the roots would be expensive and for a 
time he was undecided what course to follow. He had always 
heard that the goat was very fond of brush, and decided to give 
this animal a trial before resorting to the more expensive meth- 
od of grubbing it out. He visited Texas and purchased about 
three hundred and fifty head of graded Angoras in 1893, and 
the shipment created considerable comment on the part of all 
who saw them. Many of his neighbors thought it was a piece 
of folly, but in a short time they realized that his judgment was 
good, and by fall, the portion of the land that had been used to 
hold the goats, looked very much like a prairie fire had passed 
over it; and in less than three years, this lot of goats, with their 
increase, had destroyed every hazel-brush on his farm, and the 
blue-grass had taken a stand far superior- to any in the vicinity 
which is doubtless explained by the rich fertilizing quality of 
the droppings from the goat. 

Dr. Standley does not believe in "keeping his light under 
a i3asket," he therefore, proclaimed the great success he had 
achieved through the press, so that his fellow-farmers might 
profit by his experience ; and, in 1897, he imported two thous- 
and head more, which he sold out in small lots at auction, and in 
less than twelve months after, the demand for Angora goats was 
almost universal among Iowa farmers. The Doctor was convinced 
that this demand would continue, so he concluded to engage in 
raising the animal for profit, and in 1897, succeeded in purchasing 
the entire flock of pure bred Angoras from the estate of the 
late Col. Richard Peters of Atlanta, Georgia, who had been a 
conspicuous breeder of thoroughbreds from a very early period. 
He has since shipped breeding bucks into the Dominion of 
Canada, and to many of the States as well and, at the present 
time has a little over one hundred of the "Peters' " goats on 



99 




Dr. J. R. Standley. 



LofC. 



spread of Angora Goat Industry in the States and Territories. loi 

hand, which he takes great pride in breeding, and is confident 
he will be able to improve their high standard, in the climate of 
Iowa, over what they had attained in the warmer climate of 
Georgia. The following is a copy of the opinion of an expert in 
Bradford, England, who examined some of Dr. Standley's clip 
of 1898: 

Calverley, Nr. Leeds, 
August 5th, 1899. 
Mr. J. R. Standley, Platteville, Iowa. 

"Certificate of Merit," ^ 
I beg" to acknowledge receipt of the sample of Mohair grown by 
you and sent through Messrs. Wm. R. Payne & Co. of New York. 

Permit me to say that the sample of mohair is first-class in every 
respect. I showed it to several of our largest users, and was asked if I 
had any for sale, all l^eing agreed, it was a very useful style of hair and 
well suited to the present requirements ot the trade of Bradford. It was 
a very good quality, capital length, good lustre, very free of kemp, and on 
a par with average Turkey. Yours faithfully, 

S B. ROLLINGS, 

Wool Expert. 

There is no doubt that Dr. Standley's long experience in 
handling live stock will greatly assist him in his new undertak- 
ing, and the Angora goat breeders of the United States have 
good reason to congratulate themselves in having so practical 
a member in the industry. 

Dr. Standley had the misfortune to lose his wife in 1898, 
who had been his constant companion for nearly half a century. 
His two children, Mrs. Asa Terrel, and Dr. Joe Standley, Jr., 
have farms close to their father's ; and between the three fami- 
lies, they occupy in the neighborhood of five thousand acres of 
as fine blue grass land as can be found in the State of Iowa. 

Among others who have become interested in Angoras may 
be mentioned Dr. Bevington of Wintersett, the owner of about 
six thousand acres of fine land, some of which was unproductive 
until he invested in goats. This gentleman first bought a few; 
and, when he realized their great value, he imported about one 
"thousand head from Texas. 

Mr. Benj. F. E'-bert of Des Moines, is another prominent 
convert. He had heard of the wonderful work of the animal, 



102 A Nczu Iiuhistry. 

and decided to make a purchase of a few hundred at one of Dr. 
Standley's auction sales ; and, afterwards, invested in eight hun- 
dred well improved goats, which he runs upon his farm, and is 
now a strong advocate of the Angora. 

Mr. J. C. Morton, of Indianola, imported a carload from 
Texas in 1898, and has not only accomplished the work of clear- 
ing his farm of brush but is breeding them for profit as well. 

Mr. S. S. McKibbin of Earlham, was another early convert. 
He had heard of them through Dr. Standley's work, and made a 
purchase of some in 181)7. He engaged in dealing in the animal 
and has disposed of upwards of five thousand head, if not more, 
within the past two years. Mr. McKibbin noticed a "hornless" 
male kid among some of the shipments he received, and decided 
to keep him, and see if he could not develop a "hornless" breed, 
which has been very satisfactory and I intend to refer to the 
matter more particularly later on, as T deem it of great impor- 
tance to the industry. 

Capt. J. Murray Hoag, of Maquoketa, is another who saw 
the opportunity of dealing in Angoras and has been quite an 
active agent in distributing them for the past year, sending 
come as far East as Massachusetts, and he feels verv much en- 
•couraged. This gentleman has engaged in breeding, as well, 
and it is reported he has recently taken steps to import some 
stock from South Africa. 

Many others have purchased Angoras upon a large scale, 
but the bulk of the holdings, in Iowa, run from twenty-five up 
to one and two hundred head. The demand has been so steady 
for the past few years, it is now very difficult to find any improved 
goats for sale, in Texas, and buyers are beginning to look to 
California and other States for a supply. I am quite sure it will 
soon become necessary to buy the short-haired "Alexican" 
goat, and grade them up as the early breeders had to do. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

CENSUS OF ANGORA GOATS IN THE UNITED STATES. ■ 

The number of Angora goats in the United States is en- 
tirely problematicaL There has never been any census taken of 
them by the U. S. authorities and it is impossible to arrive at 
any absolutely correct number, but v/e can come to a reasonably 
fair approximation through the agency of the amount of mohair 
that is marketed, which is the basis of the following estimate, 
and I feel under obligations to Messrs. Wm. R. Payne & Co. 
of New York, for the information. 

In sending me this estimate Mr. Payne writes : ' 

"We have yours of the 10th inst. and regarding your query as to 
the number of Angoras in the country, you doubtless know that there is 
no statistical data at all to base on. The census returns give goats of all 
kinds in, together, with sheep, and the proposition is, therefore purely hy- 
pothetical, and about as near guess work as anything can be. The only 
way we can arrive at a remote, and very unreliable, approximation is to 
get as near as possible the mohair grown in each State, so far as can be 
ascertained, and average the fleeces to represent the probable number 
of goats represented. This is next to an impossible matter and the whole 
estimate is crude and uncertain. We would not want to be committed to 
the figures or in any sense be responsible for their correctness, and they 
are subject to criticism therefore as we give them." 

Through the medium of the question blanks, that I 
distributed among the breeders, wiiich I have summarized in 
Chapter XXIV, I am able to approximate the weight of our 
shearing per capita in each State, and in this way I reach the fol- 
lowing estimate of the number of Angoras in the different States 
at this time, or say, on 1st January, 1900. 



ESTIMATED NUMBER OP ANGORA GOATS IN THE UNITED 
STATES, JANUARY 1, 1900. 



State 



Te 



Oregon . , 
California 



Iowa 

New Mexico. 



Arizona . 

Colorado 
Nevada . 



Kansas 

Utah 

Wyoming . . . . 
Washington . . 
Oklahoma . . . 

Missouri 

Idaho 

Montana . . . . 
Massachusetts 

Georgia 

Virginia 

Ohio 

Pennsylvania . 
Connecticut . . 

Illinois 

Tennessee . . . . 
Kentucky . . . . 
Minnesota . . . 

Indiana 

Michig'an . . . . 
New York. . . . 
N. Cai'olina. . 

TOTAL ... 



Classification of Fleece 



Mostly short, six-months' staple, 
but very clean and light fleeces, 
fluffy, and cottony 

Mostly bright, and good condition 

Heavier in condition, earthy and 
coarser 

Mostly bright, and good condition 

Mixed grades, and condition 
(dusty) 

Heavy average carding, very 
earthy 

Ordinary carding, dusty 

Mostly average carding, some 
earthy 

Heavy and earthy 

Heavy alkiline and frowsy 

Average carding 

Poor carding, hard fibred, low. . 

Fair carding 



Product 

Of 

MOHAIK 

IN 

Pounds 



Mostly bright, and good condition 
Good carding 



•250,000 
225,000 

120,000 
100.000 



4) O 



876,450 



21/3 
3 

3 

2% 



75,000 I 21/2 



20,000 


2 


15,000 


2% 


12,500 


2% 


12,500 


2y2 


9,000 


2V2 


7,500 


2% 


6,000 


2V2 


5,000 


2V2 


3,000 


2 


4,000 


4 


3,000 


3 


2,500 


2% 


750 


21/2 


600 


2 


600 


2 


600 


2 


900 


3 


750 


2y. 


400 


2 


400 


2 


500 


2Vz 


250 


214 


250 


2yo 


250 J 


2V^ 


200 






329,300 



Census of Angora Goats in the United States. lo^ 

Mr. Payne adds : 

"Of the above 876,450 which may be called Mohair, perhaps about 
one-half will run to a Combing staple of six inches and above. About 
twenty per cent. Medium staple five to six inches, and about thirty per 
cent, short kid Carding and Blanket hair. 

"There are, probably, of cross-bred goats, yielding a very coarse, 
kempy, hairy fieece, only suitable for low carpet yarn, in addition to the 
above (which may be called Angora) some 40,000 pounds to 50,000 pounds, 
scattered throughout the Southwest and Territories." 

Mr. H. M. Williamson, editor of the "Oregon Agriculturist, 
and Rural Northwest," of Portland, Ore., says : 

"I have not enough facts at my command to justify a close estimate 
of the amount of mohair produced in the United States in 1899, but believe 
the figures to be a little larger than the estimate of Mr. Wm. R. Payne. 
I do not think the amount was less than one million pounds. Mr. Payne 
certainly underestimated materially the amount produced in Arizona and 
New Mexico. 

"From the best information available, the mohair clip of Oregon 
last year was about 200,000 pounds. The four buyers who handle nearly 
all the mohair grown in the State claim to have bought in the aggregate 
nearly 260,000 pounds. One of these dealers claims to have bought more 
than I think he got and most of the mohair grown in Idaho and Washing- 
ton, and part of that produced in Northern California, was included in 
these figures. On the other hand, some Oregon mohair was consigned 
direct to the East, by growers. For the present year, I estimate the clip 
of the State at 240,000 pounds." 

It will be seen that with few exceptions every State and 
Territory in the Union has had the Angora goat at one time or 
other, and there has never been a failure in raising them. The 
more Northern States have an advantage over the Southern in 
a greater weight of fleece, which is doubtless explained by the 
action of the colder chmate. If the Industry were to depend al- 
together upon the demand for mohair it is not likely the in- 
crease would be very rapid ; but, with the demand for goats to 
be used as brush exterminators, there is hardly any way of esti- 
mating the number the United States will probably have with- 
in the next decade. It is very reasonable to believe we will have 
to export a surplus of mohair sooner or later for we can hardly 
expect our manufacturing industry to keep pace with our in- 
'--epse in goats when we take the brush feature into considera- 
tion. 



io6 A Nezv Industry. 

The South Africa breeders are evidently afraid of this 
result from the fact that they have recently introduced a meas- 
ure in the Colonial Parliament placing a duty of $500 on all 
Angora goats that are exported from that country, which how- 
ever is not likely to become effective, as the adjoining colonies 
will have to co-operate with Cape Colony to carry out their 
purpose, which undoubtedly is, to prevent the American breed- 
ers from purchasing any of their goats. It is gratifying to know 
that we already have cjuite enough of pure blooded stock to 
be entirely independent of this selfish country, provided proper 
care is used in breeding-, which is more than likely to be 
followed l^y those who are fortunate enough to own a stud 
flock. 

But, as above stated, it is not at all likely that the law will 
ever become operative and we may expect quite a considerable 
trade with the breeders of South Africa, who have pure stock, 
which will assist us greatly in developing our own industry and 
be a source of profit to breeders in that country. 

In justice to the broad minded gentlemen who were oppos- 
ed to the placing of an export duty on goats, I take pleasure 
in copying the following extract from the "Midland News and 
Karoo Farmer." of Craddock, Cape Colony : (Taken from the 
"Oregon Agriculturist and Rural Northwest.") 

SOUTH AFRICAN OPINIONS ON THE EXPORT TAX. 

"The bill to prevent the export of Angoras has passed the Legisla- 
tive Council, but as the export duty will not come into force until Natal 
and Mozambique have passed similar laws, it will be inoperative for some 
time to come. In the Upper House an amendment was introduced by- 
Mr. Maasdorp, and carried, stipulating that a similar restriction be placed 
on exportation from German West Africa, before the act takes effect in 
the Colony. When all the maritime states have agreed, no export will 
be allowed to the Inland Republics and Rhodesia, unless they agree to 
similar restrictions. It will thus be seen some tiriie must elaspe before 
exportations can be checked, and meanwhile a more liberal policy will 
probably find favor amongst our farmers. The Farmers' Association, 
that has far away the greatest claim to be heard on this subject, the Zwart 
Ruggens Association, has pronounced against this bill; such well known 
farmers as !\fr. C. Lee in the Lower House and Mr. G. H. Maasdorp 
in the Council spoke strongly against the measure, but the "dog in the 



Census of Angora Goats in the United States. 107 

manger" policy is the popular one in both houses today. We are con- 
vinced that the more our enterprising stock breeders (the men who have 
done more practical co-operative work in developing their industry 
than has been done in any other branch of farming) are encouraged to 
continue the improvement of their stud flocks the higher will the stand- 
ard of Cape rhohair be raised. At the last Angora ram sale in Grafif- 
Reinet, there was no sale for a large proportion of the animals, offered; 
this was of course partly in consequence of the drought, but the fact 
remains that unless a fresh outlet is found for our best bred rams, some 
breeders will go out of the business; competition will be lessened, and a 
check given to that continued improvement that has been such an en- 
couraging feature during late years. The average quality of our staple 
will only rise as the average quality of stud flocks rise. The standard 
can only be raised by widening our market for rams. We repeat our 
belief that whatever rams go abroad, the best will be retained in the 
Colony, and from personal knowledge of our stud, breeders have every 
confidence that they will hold their own against Americans, Australians 
and all comers." 

The "Oregon Agriculturist" makes the foUowing comment 

on the above : 

"From reports of the debates in the Legislative Council and Assembly, 
published by the same paper, it appears that the leading opponent of the 
bill in the Legislative Council was Hon. Mr. Maasdorp, a group of 
whose goats are illustrated in Cronwright Schreiner's 'Angora Goat.' He 
said it was not a fair principle to restrict the trade. If trade in mohair 
is extended and taken up by other countries, mohair, instead of being as 
now an article of luxury and fashion, will become an article of cloth- 
ing and we will have a stable price. He also pointed out the fact that 
the only practical effect of the bill, if it became operative, will be to 
prevent Cape Angora breeders who have spent a large sum of money 
on their stock from getting a good price for a ram from an occasional 
American buyer. The bill would, however, be inoperative because it 
depended on the governments of Natal and the Province of Mozambique 
adopting similar legislation. Even in the remote contingency of their 
doing so there would remain the chance of goats working out through 
the German West Coast Territory. 

"Hon. Mr. Van den Heever, who supported the bill, charged Mr. 
Maasdorp with self interest in opposing the bill, because he was a breeder 
and if the bill did not pass might sell goats at high prices to Americans. 
If the bill did not pass the result would be that within a year or two 
30,000 Angora goats would be exported to America. No words were 
strong enough to describe the action of his honorable friend who was 
animated only by self-interest and did not care what became of the Colony 
or even of the Maasdorp family in the near future provided he made his 
ten or twenty or fifty thousand pounds. 



io8 A Nezv Industry. 

In the Legislative Assembly the bill was opposed by Mr. C. Lee, 
(who is undoubtedly the Mr. C. G. Lee who is secretary of the Angora 
Goat Breeders' Association of Cape Colony), and byMr. Hockly, who rep- 
resents Somerset East, the district which contains more Angora goats 
and produces more Mohair than any other district in Cape Colony, and 
Sir P. Faure. The leading advocates of the bill were Messrs. Van 
Heerdefn' and Wienaud. 

The great interest that has been manifested for the Angora 
goat in the past few years has encouraged our very efficient 
Secretary of Agricuhure, the Hon. James Wilson, to incorpor- 
ate in his report for 1898 a bulletin which was prepared by Mr. 
Almont Barnes of the Division of Statistics, with great care, 
and covers a vast amount of valuabk information, touching, 

''Value of Goat Skins, Imported," "Number of Domestic 
Goats in the United States," "Goat Products," "Available Pas- 
turage," "Supply of Labor," and many other matters of impor- 
tance, which can be seen by reference to the Agricultural Re- 
port for 1898. 



CHAPTER IX. 

WHY THE INDUSTRY HAS MADE SUCH SLOW PROGRESS IN 

THE UNITED STATES, AND WHAT WE CAN EXPECT 

IN THE FUTURE. 

Considering the fact that we have imported upwards of 
three hundred head of Angora goats from Asia Minor during 
the past fifty years, and that it is possible to grade up the short 
haired goat to a mohair producing animal with four or five 
crosses from a pure bred sire, it is quite evident that something 
must have interfered seriously with the growth of the industry 
in this country or we would be able to make a much better ex- 
hibit than we do. 

Our total production of mohair at the present time is less 
one million pounds, while South Africa had passed the two mil- 
lion pound mark early in 1879, and is today producing more 
than twelve million pounds of this valuable fibre. 

What has been the reason for such slow progress on the 
part of American breeders, when the industry was so quickly 
developed in South Africa? In 1882 Dr. Hayes, referring more 
particularly to the efforts of Col. Richard Peters of Georgia, 
and Col. Robt. W. Scott of Kentucky, says : 

"The most valuable result they have accomplished is the preservation, 
and acclimation, of undoubtedly pure stock, which may serve as a founda- 
tion of a more systematic enterprise in this direction than has hithreto 
been attempted in this country. That these breeders, skilful as they 
are, have not accomplished more, is due partly to the fact that residing 
in the South, their enterprise was retarded by the war, but more to the 
circumstances that perhaps, without abundant capital they have sought 
to derive their profit rather from selling animals than from increas- 
ing the flocks and selling their fleeces. The increase having been sold in 
scattered pairs, have got mixed up, with the common breed, and have been 



no A Nezv Industry. 

practically lost. Thus the greater part of the enterprise devoted to the 
Angora goat culture, has been frittered away. The majority of breeders 
(always excepting such as I have above named) who have crossed pure 
animals upon common goats have sold the grade animals, as if they had 
all the excellences of absolutely pure goats. The purchasers, in their 
turn, breeding the grade bucks to common goats have been naturally dis- 
appointed in the results, and have let the breed run entirely out." See 
Hayes, p. 65, 66. 

I think Dr. Hayes' conclusion is correct with reference to 
the injury caused by the sale of grade sires for pure bred, but 
he is certainly wrong in attaching blame to either Col. Peters 
or Col. Scott, for the slow growth of the industry. These gen- 
tleman never contemplated raising mohair, as their surround- 
ings did not admit of their holding any large number of goats. 
Their purpose, evidently was to breed pure blooded stock and 
sell to others, who were differently situated, and who were in a 
position to engage in carrying on the goat business upon an 
extended scale; and, in this, I think they were eminently suc- 
cessful, for a great many flocks of Angoras in the United States 
can be traced back to either the "Peters" or "Scott" blood. 

Both the Texas and California industries can be traced di- 
rectly to Col. Peters' efforts, which resulted in the importation 
of all the goats that were brought into this country by others, 
for it is reasonable to think the importers would not have en- 
gaged in such an undertaking, if they had not believed they 
would be able to sell their stock to breeders upon arrival. With 
the single exception of the J. S. Harris importation (which was 
for his own personal use), every one of the others was on spec- 
ulation, and they were all sold at very satisfactory prices. That 
the selling of high grades called "full blood" for pure bred 
stock has had a tendency to retard the growth of the industry, 
there can be no doubt, but this cannot be the only cause, for 
there has never been an American industry established yet 
that has not had to contend more or less with fraudulent prac- 
tices, even to the selling of wooden hams and nutmegs. Refer- 
ring to the industry in Australia, which was started in 1858, only 
four years after Col. Peters bought the Davis goats. Dr. Hayes 
quotes some very interesting observations from Sir Samuel 



Why flic Industry Has Made Such Slow Progress. Ill 

Wilson, a very eminent breeder of sheep in that colony, who had 
encouraged the introduction of the Angora goat, and was ex- 
ceedingly anxious to see the industry fully established. 

Dr. Hayes says : 

"The evident preference of this eminent breeder is for the system 
of increase from absolutely pure flocks, a preference which I regard as 
a strong justification of the orig-nal views in the text of my essay. Sir 
Samuel seems to think that, from a National point of view, the time requir- 
ed to create immense flocks of pure animals is of little moment. His calcu- 
lations of the result which can be attained in four decades will astonish 
the reader, he says: 

"The flock of Angora goats, now (1873) on the Wimmera, is 108 in 
number, besides a few young k'ds. From calculations carefully made. 
and which, as well as other figures in this paper, have been verified by 
Professor Strong of the Melbourne University, this small flock, if care- 
fully managed, and sufficient pasture allowed for it to graze upon, will, 
at the ordinary rate of increase, reach in thirty years the very large num- 
ber of 44"2,.368. This number should be sufficient to displace most, if 
not all, the common goats in the Colony. In forty years, at the same rate, 
the pure flocks would increase to over 7,000,000. 

"The pure flock should, if possible, be kept in one district and not 
scattered about. From this point, as a centre, th; great profit to be ob- 
tained from them should enable them to push their way and drive out the 
common goat. The above estimate of increase I arrive at by the simple 
calculation of doubling the number of the flock every two and one-half 
years. This was found to be about the rate of increase which sheep 
were observed to make on their first introduction into Australia. I have 
reason to believe that the Angora, will, with care, increase in an equal 
ratio. 

The calculation is as follows, showing the estimated number at each 
period of two and a half years: 

Present number of flock 108 

Estimated number in two and one-half years. . . : 216 



Estimated number in five years 432 

2 

Estimated number in seven and one-half years 864 

2 

Estimated number in ten vears 1,728 



112 A Nerv Industry. 

Estimated number in ten years, carried forward 1,728 

2 
Estimated number in twelve and one-half years 3,456 

2 
Estimated number in fifteen years 6,912 

2 
Estimated number in seventeen and one-half years 13,824 

2 
Estimated number in twenty years 27,648 

2 
Estimated number in twenty-two and one-half years 55,296 

2 
Estimated number in twenty-five years 110,592 

2 
Estimated number in twenty-seven and one-half years 221,184 

2 
Estimated number in thirty years 442,368 

2 
Estimated number in thirty-two and one-half years years 884,736 

2 
Estimated number in thirty-five years 1,769,472 

2 

Estimated number in thirty-seven and one-half years 3,538,944 

2 
Estimated number in forty years 7,077,888 

"By calculating the rate of increase at 80 per cent., yearly, on the num- 
ber of does, of any age, to produce kids; and, making the proper allow- 
ance for deaths, from age, and other causes, the result would be still great- 
er, and the above calculation would seem moderate in comparison. As 
a matter of fact, the flock has actually been doubled in number by nat- 
ural increase in the first two years, and with sufficient pasture and proper 
care and management, would doubtless reach the large number of 442,368 
in ihe year 1903, and upwards of 7,000,000, in the year 1913." See Hayes, 
pages 52 and 53. 

Dr. Hayes then proceeds to show that, 

"If the United States had followed the above theory with the 
'Chenery' and 'Diehl' importations alone, we would today be enjoying 
the fruits from a large industry of pure-bred Angora goats, which, he 
estimated (so early as 1882) would reach 2,792,000 animals producing 
11,000,000 pounds of merchantable mohair." (See Hayes, p. 54.) 



Why the Industry Has Made Such Slozv Progress. 113 

I would here remind my reader, that an industry, and more 
especially an agricultural industry, requires something more 
than dry theory, and mathematics, to feed upon. The first 
thing, in my judgment, is a market for the product ; and, the next 
is a complete knowledge on the part of all who engage in it, 
as to where that market can be found, together, with a perfect 
understanding of how to produce the article, and how to pre 
pare it to meet the wants of consumers. 

Of all these essentials, our early breeders were in total ig- 
norance, with the exception, perhaps, of a very few of the lead- 
ing members ; and, even at the present time, not one farmer 
in ten thousand has ever seen mohair ; has no idea of what an 
Angora goat looks like, and has not the remotest idea of how 
to handle the animal, or how to prepare the fleece it produces 
for marketable purposes. 

The following letter written by Mr. J. R. Rippey, Secretary 
of Missouri State Board of Agriculture, in reply to an inquiry 
T made with reference to the industry in this State, is a very 
strong confirmation of what I have just stated: 

"Columbia, Mo., August 15th, 1899. 
Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Tex. 

Dear Sir — I do not now know of a flock of Angora goats in Missouri. 
Col. John Walker of Fayette, Howard county, some fifteen or twenty 
years ago, had three or four hundred head, but I think they proved un- 
profitable and he disposed of them. At that time the wool buyers in 
this State, knew nothing whatever of the value of the fleece, and offered 
practically nothing for it. Then again the owners of the goats knew noth- 
ing of the necessary care of the fleece, when it should be clipped, or as 
to the care of the goats for producing the best fleece. If there is a herd 
in this State, I do not know it. Respectfully, 

J. R. RIPPEY. 

The prime reason for the slow growth of our Angora 
goat industry, in my opinion, is due to the fact that breeders 
could not make is as profitable as raising other kinds of live- 
stock. If they had started with goats that would pay their 
way with mohair at the commencement, and had known exactly 
how to handle the stock, and where they could market their 
mohair, as above mentioned, conditions might be difterent ; but. 



//-/ A Nczv Industry. 

it must be remembered, the early breeders Had to begin with 
common goats, and grade them up ; and, even many of those, 
who used nothing but absohitely pure bred sires, found it un- 
profitable, for the reason that their first and second crosses 
would not pay to shear, and there being no sale for goat meat 
in our large markets, were forced to accept ruinously low prices 
(often as low as fifty cents per head) from local ranchmen, who 
used them for ranch meat purposes. This had a tendency to 
discourage others from engaging in the business, and the re- 
sult has been, that only a few have had the confidence and ablHty 
to hold their goats, until they had graded them up to a paying 
basis, while the many gave up in despair, very early in the strug- 
gle, and their goats have been sold out and slaughtered. My 
personal experience, which is outHned in rriy "Introductory Re- 
marks," is, I think a very good illustration of this condition. 
I had accumulated as many as 8000 head of goats of all grades, 
from the common "Mexican" to very high grades, and was com- 
pelled to thin out my goats for two reasons : 1st, my old goats 
would soon die of old age ; and, 2nd, my range was not suf- 
ficient to accommodate so many goats, with my other stock. 
I tried faithfully to find a market for one thousand fat wethers, 
and the following letter received from a Chicago packing house 
will show what poor success I met with, (the name of the writer 
is omitted for obvious reasons) : 

Chicago, 111., Sept. 25th, 1892. 
Wm. L. Bhick, Ft. McKavett, Tex. 

Dear Sir — Yours of the 15th inst. offering to sell us 1000 fat wether 
goats is at hand and we regret to say we c nnot use them. We recog- 
nize the fact that grade Angora mutton is fully equal to sheep, and we do 
not hesitate to slaughter them in a limited way, when we receive them 
with a flock of sheep, but the preiudice for goat meat is so strong, that 
we do not feel justified in slaughtering them in such large numbers as you 
propose to ship. Very truly yours. 



Being compelled to do something, I resorted to the scheme 
of slaughtering thetn myself for their hides and tallow. 

The American farmer is impulsive and will often sacrifice 
years of labor spent in grading up stock that he finds to be un 



Why the Industry Has Made SiieJi Slozv Progress. jzK 

profitable in a moneyed sense. It is the dollar that influences 
him and not sentiment. During the two periods of depression 
we have had in our sheep industry in the past 17 years, (1883 to 
1886, and 1890 to 1894, both caused by adverse tariff legislation) 
which resulted in a temporary decline in wool, millions of fine 
sheacing sheep were sent to the shambles, and sold for a trifle, 
because the proceeds from wool did not pay for keeping them. 
Horses, too have been sacrificed in the same ruinous way, dur- 
ing the past few years, for the same reason, which has resulted 
in setting back both of these industries very seriously. 

That our country is well adapted to the culture of the An- 
gora has been clearly proven, and all who held their goats until 
they had reached a shearing capacity, of say two pounds per head, 
have made money, and are now enjoying better results from 
this branch of their livestock than any other ; but, it is not reas- 
onable to suppose that all breeders would have the patience, 
and financial strength to hold on to stock for a number of years 
at a loss when they could use their land, and their energies 
with a different kind of stock that would yield them better re- 
sults. 

Because South Africa has been so remarkably successful 
is no reason to think they have a country better suited to the 
Angora goat than the United States is. Conditions in the two 
countries are very different. 

In the United States we have a large home and export de- 
mand for fresh meat, and farmers naturally prefer raising such 
stock as will meet with ready sale. 

In South Africa the sale for fresh meat is limited, and far- 
mers are compelled to rely more upon incidental products like 
wool and mohair, which can be easily transported to market. 
But, matters in this country, respecting the Angora goat, I am 
pleased to say have changed very materially wiihin the past few 
vears, and it is now possible to sell these animals in any quan- 
tity, at any of our large meat packing markets as readily 
as sheep. Besides this an unexpected demand has recently 
sprung up from Northern and Eastern farmers who want to use 
the animal as a brush exterminator, which will call for more 
goats than we can supply in many years to come ; and if all 



ii6 A Neiv Industry. 

signs do not fail we shall soon begin to show our South Afri- 
can friends, and others, the way Americans can develop an in- 
dustry when all their disabilities have been removed, and they 
make up their minds to go to work. As for the breeders who 
sell "full-bloods" for pure breeds, these will soon be found out 
and will disappear from the field, as all frauds have had^to do 
in the past.* 



*It is perhaps proper for me to say that, I do not share the opinion 
that, all breeders, who sell graded goats for breeding purposes, are nec- 
essarily rascals, or frauds. I do not think it possible to trace the lineage 
of any goat either in America, South Africa, or Turkey, to an absolutely 
pure-blooded sire and consequently it is impossible for a breeder to 
know if his goats are "pure bred," in the strict sense of the term, or not. 
The Turks have interbred with common goats for many years, and so 
have South Africa breeders, as well as ourselves. What I should have 
said, perhaps, is that, all who sell grades, that, they know are grades, 
having only the appearance of pure-hred goats, without the strength 
of blood to transmit, and impress their progeny, as they should, will 
soon be found out in their rascally practice and disappear from the field. 
I believe we have many "Angoras" that have been graded up from the 
common goat that, have greater power to transmit mohair blood, than 
many goats bred in Turke3^ and entitled to the proud title "thorough- 
bred." Blood will tell, and, I think, it has been the experience of all 
breeders of stock, in the past that when an animal has been bred a 
sufficient length of time so as to thoroughly fix his type, he can be re- 
lied upon t'o reproduce his kind with absolute certainty, but, I shall say 
more on this subject, when I get to the "Practical Parts of the Indus- 
try." 



CHAPTER X. 



C3NCERNING THE MANUFACTURE OF MOHAIR IN ASIA MINOR, 
ENGLAND, AND THE UNITED STATES. 

IN ASIA MINOR. Although goat hair has been used for 
clothing by many of the Eastern Nations for a great many cen- 
turies, it is, comparatively, a new textile in the manufactures of 
the present age. 

It is referred to as early as 1600 B. C. In Exodus, xxxv, 
chapter, 23, verse, we read : 

"And every man with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet 
and fine linen, and goat's hair brought them." 

Again in Exodus, xxxvi chapter, 14th verse : 

"And he made curtains of goat's hair for the tent over the tabernacle 
eleven curtains he made them." 

Mention is made in other parts of the Bible, of fine linen 
and "goat's hair" being spun by the women, which leaves no 
doubt that the ancients had learned a way of utilizing this fibre 
at a very early period in the history of the world. 

The Turks, in Asia Minor, at one time employed as many 
as 1200 looms in working up the fleece of the Angora goat, 
which was cahed by them ''tiftik." It was not allowed to be ex- 
ported in a raw state, in order to give employment to many of 
the laboring classes of that country, through whose hands the 
fibre had to pass in order to prepare it for the loom. As may 
well be supposed their methods were very primitive, and it is 
surprising to read of the beautiful fabrics that these ancient peo- 
ple made with their crude machinery. An EngHsh traveller, by 



ii8 A Nczv Industry. 

the name of Capt. Conelly, referred to by Mr. Southey in his 
work on "Colonial Wools," gives a very interesting description 
of the manner in which this ''tiftik" is manipulated. Capt. 
Conelly says : 

"The women of Angora moisten their carded goat's hair with much 
spittle before they draw it from the distaff, and they assert that the qual- 
ity of the thread much depends upon this; nay, more, that in the melon 
season thpir yarn is incomparably better, as eating this fruit imparts a 
mucilagenous quality to the saliva." 

The spinning of the thread is performed by men on a loom 
which is descibed by the Hon. Israel H. Diehl in a report made 
to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, as follows : 

"The fleece is first taken to a running stream, where it is washed by 
hand and tramped under foot in the water. It is then spread upon the 
sand to dry and bleach, after which it is assorted according to fineness, 
length, and purity. It is then hackled on a simple old-fashioned hack'e 
consisting of a few dozen long iron nails driven through a board. After 
hackling, the fleece is placed in bundles or rolls and spun into yarn, mostly 
by the women and children. For this purpose a common distafif is used, 
or a stick from 12 to 18 inches in length, with cross pieces, rendering it 
about equivalent to a large spool. It is then ready for the loom. This 
instrument in Angora is of the simplest and rudest construction, and of the 
same unvarying type, that has been used by countless generations. Asia- 
tic industry is frugal in labor-saving processes; when once machinery 
is brought to such a degree of efficiency as to render it barely possible for 
an unlimited amount of labor to supplement and supply its deficiencies, 
no further improvement is made. Men then subject themselves, their 
minds and muscles, to a training which makes them almost a part of 
the machines they operate. Caucasian mind seeks to emancipate itself 
from all unecessary labor by transferring it to machinery, thus leaving the 
mental faculties free for intellectual labor. Each of its tasks it devolves 
successively upon inanimate matter, while it continually ascends to high- 
er results. But this function of intelligence seems to be entirely ignored 
by Asiatic mind, and Asiatic art. 

"The Angora loom, of which engravings are presented, consists of 
two upright posts, from four to six feet apart, planted in the ground and 
running up through the floor (if there is one) to the roof of the house. 
Near the top of these posts a cross bar is rudely fastened, often with 
ropes, from which the simple weaving apparatus is suspended by pulleys 
and worked by treadles. These are located beneath the level of the floor, 
on the edge of which the weaver is seated. The woven cloth, passing 



119 




^iE=-^^iSE=sg=^ipiMffliBM I i i '11' ;ill 




^:-^-.><^^S^»>^rs^lj^^ B^lajjiiu.^ggpv 



'i^r^- 





0^iS^ 



Concerning the Manufaciure of Mohair. 121 

round a roller in front of the weaver, is then drawn by weights over 
another roller above his head. These looms cost from $5.00 to $25.00, 
some of them being ornamented with rude carving. 

"The ordinary expense of a loom is given at $20.00 per month. A 
number of these looms are strung along the sides of the house, some 
houses containing as many as twenty looms." See Agtl. Dept. Report 
1867, page 229. 

Dr. Hayes says : 

"The natives displayed great skill in making gloves, hosiery, and cam- 
lets, for exportation, and summer robes of great beauty, for the Turkish 
grandees. The town of Angora flourished, and the whole population was 
busy and happy in the pursuit of their beautiful industry. 

"After the Greek Revolution the Turkish government was tempted 
by British influence to admit free of duty, the products of European ma- 
chinery and to permit the export of the raw 'tiftik.' This fatal step was 
the death blow of the town of Angora. 

"The whole product with the exception of 20,000 pounds only, still 
worked at home, was exported to England. The looms employed were 
reduced from 1200, to not more than 50; and the town, although having at 
its command the raw material for a most important and characteristic 
manufacture, offers, in its sad decline, another monument to the desolating 
influence of that system which would make the raw material of every 
country tributary to the one great work-shop of the world." See Hayes, 
page 03. 

When we consider the fact that the Turks are now enjoy- 
ing benefits from a much greater number of goats than they 
would, probably, have ever had any use for under their primitive 
way of v^'eaving mohair, it seems to me Dr. Hayes was hardly 
justified in making the above statement. My personal opinion 
is, the entire world has been largely benefited through the enter- 
prise of English capital, and are today permitted to enjoy the 
privilege of using fabrics made from this valuable textile, which 
would not be the case if Sir Titus Salt had not invented proper 
machinery. 

IN ENGLAND. Mohair was first shipped to England in 
a raw state in 1820. In that year a few bales came to that market 
but so little was the material appreciated that it only real- 
ized lOd per lb. (see Vol. XVI, Encyclopedia Britannica, page 
5M.) 



123 A Nczv Industry. 

It was fifteen or twenty years later, before any decided in- 
terest was taken in the fibre, or about 1836, when Mr. (after- 
wards "Sir") Titus Sah, a wool broker and manufacturer in 
Bradford, purchased a quantity of Alpaca in Liverpool at Sd 
per lb. and set himself to discover its capabilities (see Vol. I, 
page 598, Encyclopedia Britannica.) Dr. Hayes quotes from 
"James' History of the Worsted Manufacturer," the following 
very interesting account of the matter : 

"The first marketable fabric from alpaca wool produced in Europe 
was made about 1832 by Benjamin Outram, a scientific manufacturer of 
Greetland, near Halifax, England, who surmounted the obstacles en- 
countered in spinning the slippery fibre and eventually produced an article 
for ladies' carriage shawls and cloakings which were sold at high prices on 
account of the novelty of the fabrics. Owing to the cheapness of the 
wool during the first years of its consumption, about eight pence, it 
was occasionly employed, instead of 'Lincoln hogs' wool for manufac- 
turing lastings and camlet warps. In 183'2 some enterprising merchants 
in Liverpool directed their agents in Peru to purchase, and ship to Eng- 
land all the parcels of alpaca wool they could meet with, which being 
sent to the Bradford district was spun and manufactured by several parties 
there. The pieces chiefly made were figured goods with a worsted warp, 
and alpaca weft, the figures being raised and lustrous. They did not re- 
main long in vogue. The use of alpaca wool with the worsted warp, the 
•only combination hitherto tried, would doubtless have declined, like that 
of other mere novelties in the textile manufacture, if a new combmation 
of alpaca wool had not been suggested by the introduction of the cotton 
warp from France into England in 1834, the most important event of the 
century in the worsted industry of the world. The credit of combining 
the cotton warp with an alpaca weft, and of finally overcoming the dif- 
ficulties of preparing and spinning the alpaca wool, is awarded, by com- 
mon consent, to Mr. (afterwards Sir) Titus Salt, who in 1839 was the 
only spinner of alpaca yarn in Bradford. The first successful manufacture 
v/as in the production of what was termed 'Alpaca Orlea.is,' and the first 
considerable order was in June, 1839, for five hundred and sixty pieces, 
twenty-seven inches wide at forty-two shillings per piece. From this per- 
iod the manufacture rapidly extended, giving rise to the magnificent 
establishment of Sir Titus Salt at Saltaire, employing over 3,000 hands in 
the manufacture of alpaca and mohair goods exclusively, nearly doubling 
the price of English lustre wools which were employed in making imi- 
tation alpacas, developing in Bradford tht. most characteristic and impor- 
tant of its industries, and giving, in the black alpaca lustres, and its imi-- 
tations, with wool from Lincoln sheep, the most valuable fabric which 
has been created for female wear during the present century." See Hayes 
pages 153 and 154. 



Concerning the Manufachire of Mohair. 123 

The quantity of alpaca imported into England from 1836 
to 1840 averaged only 560,800 pounds yearly. (See Ency- 
clopedia Britannica, Vol. I, p. 598.) The character of this 
fibre being very similar to the fleece of the Angora goat in length, 
lustre, and fineness, Sir Titus naturally looked to Asia Minor 
for their supply of mohair, and even with the addition of this 
prc'duct, which in 1836 (the first record of imports into England) 
reached 680,000 pounds, he did not have a sufficient supply of 
raw material to meet the demand for his manufactured fabrics, 
and it was this that encouraged the culture of the Angora goat in 
other countries. The supply of alpaca it would seem is limited 
to Peru. It has been nearly uniform for many years, and is es- 
timated to be about 5,000,000 lbs. per annum, at this time, with 
very little probability of its ever being increased very largely. 

Stimulated by the increased demand for mohair, which ad- 
vanced very steadily from about 20c per lb. in 1836, to 90c m 
18G3, the Turks rapidly increased their number of Mohair goata 
by crossing on the common ("Kurd") goat of their country, 
and with the successful culture of the animal in South Africa, 
the supply of raw material increased quite as fast as was neces- 
sary, the annual product of both kinds (Alpaca and Mohair) be- 
ing estimated now at 25,000,000 lbs. 

In 1853, Sir Titus Salt erected in Bradford, England, the 
largest Mohair mill in the world, which practically gave him the 
control of the trade, of which he continued to be the head up to 
the time of his death which took place in 1876. This great es- 
tablishment received its first check in prosperity with the intro- 
duction of the fine all-wool French Cashmere goods, which fin- 
ally caused the firm of Sir Titus Salt, Bart & Co. to suspend in 
1880 (see Bulletin Natl. Ass. Wool Mfr. Dec. 1895, page 320). 

A statue of Sir Titus Salt was erected in Bradford, in honor 
of the man, and as a slight recognition of the great service he 
had rendered the world, and the direct benefit he had been to 
his own home, during an active life of more than half a century. 

IN THE UNITED STATES. The United States was 
slow in taking hold of. this new textile, and it was not until a 



/..',/ 



/ .VCTC I lldllStl \. 



(|u;'.rtiM" ol ;i ccn(iir\ al'k'r it had l)C(.'ii introduced into l^n^iaiid 
tliat any attiMnpt was inado 1)\' Annrican manufacturers to use 
it. In Mr. field's \cr\ inti'rcslinj;- paper on "The Ooat," jiul)- 
hshed in the .\>;'tl. I>ept. l\eporl ot' IS(i;>, he sa\s : 

"MacliiiUTv is now hriiii.; errotod, and inM-lcclcil hy llu' l,o\\i.-ll. I'a- 
cifu-, and (mIut mills, (o work up this Ili'i'Ci', and nianuiarturo llu' Tnu'St 
fal)rics, llnis only awailin,^' lln' wauds adapleil and (.'slahlishin.L;- a mar- 
ket." v'^eo V. S. A-ll. Report 1S(1:!, pa.^c L'-JD. 

It would seem lio\\i.'\er that these mills diil not accomplish 
very nnudi. In ISdC, under the ;;dnhnistration of rresiileut 
Johnson, the lion. Isaac Xewlon, (.'onunissioner of .Vorieulture, 
called attention to the matter in his report for that \ ear, as iu\- 
low s : 

"Two mounU'd spreinu'ns ol' llu' Aii.^ora .miat lia\-o heen added to 
the museum, lo;_'elher wilh samjdes oi (lie wool, and \arious iaJH-ics macle 
from the same. 'iMie imporlatioii and hreedin;;' ot these animals have at- 
Iraeted much aUenlion in eei'lain see(i(u;s of the eounlry: their lleeees 
command a hi.^h price and llu' \'alne of their manufaetuiws would seem 
to warrant the eneoura.^iii.L; attentiim of the 1 )ep:irl men!." See Rep(n-t of 
A-tl. ISCd, pa-e II. 

It had been representcil for a lono- titne l)\ those ititer- 
esled in hjtohnul, that the process of maitttact tiritiL; mohair was 
very cxpettsiw, and that its manipitlatioti was kttowti otiK to a 
very lew, but these representations were foutui to he false, ami 
were douhtless circulated to discottra^e i>ther countries from eti- 
.^■ai;iui;- in the hitsiness. In ISiK; the I loti. Israel II. Diehl was 
commissioned hy the I'tiitid v^tates Aofietiltural hepartmetit to 
visit I'lttrope for tin- pitrpose of itix'cstii^atin:.;- the tuatter, aiul, 
if possible, to secttre such itiformatiott attd p.arlictilars as woidd 
onabU' the mamilact iirers {^i this coutitr\ to make use o\ the 
Ano'ora j^'oat lleece. Me saw at the exhibitioti itt Taris, a i^reat 
variety (d machiner\ for carditii;', scrubbitio-, si'iuuino- attd weav- 
inji' the libre which was claimed to ha\e been made lari;"eh- in 
Hraclford, b'tt^latid, and Uotibeaitx, iM'ance. and in his repi)rt to 
(he .\j.;itcttll ttral lV'])artment in IS(i';, he s^'ave a full tlcscriplion 
of these machines toijcther with the names of matittfactttrers, etc. 



Concerning the Manufcuiure of Mohair. 125 

Commissioner Newton adds the following with reference to 
Mr. Diehl's work : 

"Mr. Diehl visited the Paris Exposition, where he directed his at- 
tention to the fabrics of various kinds of goat fleece. He was astonished 
and delighted at the extent, variety, delicacy and exquisite beauty of the 
specimens contributed by the looms of Asia Minor, India, France, Eng- 
land, Germany, and other '■ountries represented in this department of 
the Exposition. These manufactures consisted of shawls, camlets, chal- 
lis, mohairs, poplins, velvets, delaines, hosiery, yarns, gowns, robes, 
rugs, fur trimmings, tassels, etc. Some of them were made of pure goats' 
fleece, and others, of the fleece mixed with wool, cottons, silks, and other 
fil^res, imparting to these compounds a lustre, strength, and durability, 
which no other fibre, except silk, will secure. Nearly every nation rep- 
resented at the Exposition presented some beautiful manufactures of goats' 
fleece. India, England, France, and Austria, seemed to excel in the more 
delicate fabrics, while Turkey exhibited the greatest variety and richness 
of the raw material." See Agtl. Dept. Report, 1870, p. 226. 

And in conclusion he says: 

"The manufacture of 'Cashmere,' camels' hair' and other shawls, 
once so flourishing in Asia, is greatly impaired, and, in many places, 
entirely discontinued. But few of the once famous Cashmere shav/ls 
have been manufactured since the rise of the fatal competition of Lyons, 
Paris, Paisley, Vienna, and other manufacturing centers in Europe. Cau- 
causian capital and skill, aided by the elaborate contrivances of machinery, 
can now produce, at much lower prices, fabrics as delicate, and beautiful, 
as the famous Cashmere shawls, though, doubtless, not so durable. The 
immediate introduction of this shawl weaving into the United States is 
perhaps impracticable, though its final success here is but a question of 
time. The obstacles to be overcome are lack of skilled labor, of machin- 
ery, and of active home demand for fabrics of goat fleece. 

"None of these, however, are very formidable. Sufficient labor and 
machinery can be imported to meet present necessities, while the ready 
intelligence of our workingmen and the profound and subtle genius of 
our inventors may be relied upon to surpass, very soon, our imported 
models. 

"The increasing taste and luxury fostered by the rapidly accumulat- 
ing wealth of the American people, and the enormous reduction in the 
cost qf manufacturing this beautiful staple from the fancy prices hitherto 
commanded by Oriental manufacture, will soon create a permanent home 
demand. This will give a comfortable support to a large industrial pop- 
ulation, and assist in arresting the increasing drain upon our circulating 
medium, caused by large importations of manufactures of wool, cotton, 
silk, and flax, a matter of no small importance in the present financial 
condition of the country. ' See Agtl. Dept. Report 1807, page 230. 



i.?6 A New Indnslry. 

Through the influence of this information quite a number 
of American manufacturers decided to import machinery for the 
purpose of manufacturing Mohair, and the use of it has steadily 
increased ever since, and is constantly being applied in making 
new fabrics which are always attractive and popular. Referring 
to the "Application of Products" in 1868, Dr. Hayes says : 

"It has been already stated that mohair is not a substitute for wool, 
but that it occupies its own place in the textile fabrics. It has the as- 
pect, feel and lustre of silk, without its suppleness. It differs materially 
from wool in the want of the felting cjuality, so that the stufifs made of it 
have the fibres distinctly separated and are always brilliant. They do not 
retain the dust or spots, and are thus particularly valuable for furniture 
goods. The fibre is dyed with great facility, and is the only textile fibre 
which takes equally the dyes destined for all tissues. On account of the 
stiffness of the fibre it is rarely woven alone; that is, when used for the fill- 
ing, the warp is usually of cotton, silk or wool, and the reverse. It is not 
desired for its softness in addition to silkiness, such qualities as are found 
in Cashmere and Mauchamp wool; but for the elasticity, lustre, 
and durability of the fibre with sufficient fineness to enable it to be 
spun. Those who remember the fashions of thirty or forty years ago 
may call to mind the camlets so extensively used for cloaks and other 
outer garments, and will doubtless remember that some were distinguished 
for their peculiar lustre and durability, which was generally attributed 
to the presence of silk in the tissue. These camlets were woven from mo- 
hair. Its lustre and durability peculiarly fit this material for the manufac- 
ture of braids, buttons, and bindings, which greatly outwear thosp of 
silk and wool. The qualities of lustre and elasticity particularly fit this 
material for its chief use, the manufacture of Utrecht velvets, commonly 
called furniture plush, the finest qualities of which are composed princi- 
pally of mohair; the pile being formed of mohair warp, which are cut 
in the same manntr £s s Ik warps in velvets. Upon pass'ng the finger light- 
ly over the surface of the best mohair plushes, the rigidity and elasticity of 
the fibre will be distinctly perceived. The fibre springs back to its original 
uprightness when any pressure is removed. The best mohair plushes are al- 
most indestructible. They have been in constant use on certain railroad cars 
in the covmtry for over twenty years without wearing out. They are now 
sought by all the best railroads in the country as the most enduring of all 
coverings, an unconscious tribute to the remarkable qualities of this 
fibre. The manufacture of Utrecht velvets at Amiens, in France, con- 
sumes 500,000 pounds of mohair, which is spun in England. 10,000 work- 
men were employed in weaving these goods at Amiens, in 1855, the pro- 
duct being principally sent to the United States. The mohair plushes are 
made of yarns from No. 26 to No. 70; the tissties made of the former num- 



Concerning the Manufacture of Mohair. 127 

ber. are worth four francs per metre, and of the latter ten francs per metre, 
showing the importance of preserving the fineness of the fleece. A med- 
ium article is made extensively in Prussia, of yarns spun from an admix- 
ture of mohair with combing wool; but it is wanting in the evenness of 
surface and brilliant reflections, or bloom, of the French goods. Mohair 
yarn is employed largely in Paris, Nismes, Lyons, and Germany, for the 
manufacture of laces, which are substituted for the silk-lace fabrics of 
Valenciennes and Chantilly. The shawls frequently spoken of as made 
of Angora wool are of a lace texture, and do n.ot correspond to the Cash- 
mere, or Indian shawls. The shawls known as Llama shawls are made of 
mohair. I have seen one at Stewarts' wholesale establishment, valued 
at $80.00, weighing only two and one-third ounces. Mohair is also large- 
ly consumed at Bradford, in England, in the fabrication of light summer 
goods. They are woven with warps of silk and cotton, principally the 
latter, and the development of this manufacture is due principally to the 
improvements in making fine cotton warps the combination of wool with 
mohair not being found advantageous. These goods are distinguished 
by their lustre, and by the rigidity of the fabric. All the mohair yarns 
used in Europe are spun in England, the English having broken down, by 
temporary reduction of prices, all attempts at spinning in France. Suc- 
cessful experiments at spinning and weaving Angora fabrics have been 
made in this country, as shown by the samples of yarn spun by Mr. Cam- 
eron, and the dress goods spun and woven by Mr. Fay of the Lowell 
Manufacturing Co., from Angora wool grown by Mr. Chenery of Bel- 
mont, Mass. Before the demand for this material for dress goods, and 
plushes, mohair was largely used in Europe, and this country, for last- 
ings for fine broadcloths, the lustrous surface acting as a frame, in a 
picture, to set off the goods. This use is now abandoned. Mohair is 
now extensively used to form the pile of certain styles of plushes used for 
ladies' cloakings; also for the pile of the bst fabrics style' Astrachans. 
Narrow strips of the skin of the Angora, with the fleece attached, have been 
recently in fashion for trimmings, and great prices were obtained for a lim- 
ited number of the pelts for this purpose. The skins with the fleece at- 
tached will always bring high prices for foot rugs, on accotmt of their 
peculiar lustre, and the advantages they possess over those made of wool, 
in not being liable to felt." (See Hayes, pp. 37, 38, 39.) 

And in a subsequent edition of iiis work in 1882 he adds : 

"I have but little to add to the observations in my original essay upon 
the various applications of mohair. I have mentioned its application at 
Bradford in the manufacture of light dress goods. I did not mention the 
far more extensive use to which mohair until very recently has been ap- 
plied, for more substantial fabrics, which for a time were in great vogue 
for ladies' dress goods, called 'brilliantines' or 'lustres,' a black fabric 



is8 ' A Neiv Industry. 

of peculiarly brilliant lustre. Fabrics of this class, composed of mohair, 
made by the Arlington Mills of Lawrence, Mass., and the Farr Alpaca 
Company of Holyoke, Mass., received high commendation from the Eng- 
lish judges at our Centennial Exhibition. Through a singular freak of 
fashion, more particularly referred to in the appendix, the lustre fabrics 
have ceased, temporarily, to be in demand, thus dispensing with the most 
important use of mohair, and causing its present reduced price at Brad- 
ford, which rules the prices for the rest of the world. Another very im- 
portant application of mohair, as affected by fashion, is in the manufac- 
ture of black fabrics for the lining of men's garments, of the more expen- 
sive class. I have a great-coat with a mohair lining, which has been ni 
use for five years. The cloth is worn out, but the lining, which at first 
glance would be mistaken for silk, does not show the slightest trace of 
wear or fraying in the most exposed parts. There could be no more con- 
clusive evidence of the ex'-raordinary wearing qualities of this fibre, and 
of its adaptation to hundreds of uses to which it has not yet been applied. 
The English letter given below shows that mohair is still extensively 
used at Bradford for making yarns for Utrecht velvets, generally called 
in this country 'mohair plush.' This fabric has of late come into greatly 
increased demand, both for furniture coverings and railroad car uphol- 
stery, as it is not only sightly, but the most enduring fabric produced by 
the textile industry. The manufacture of Utrecht velvets has not been 
attempted in this country; it waits only for an abundant home supply of 
mohair. The consumption of this fabric by the railroads of the United 
States alone would require the mohair from many hundred thousands ani- 
mals. Other applications of mohair would suggest themselves to manu- 
facturers if there were an assurance of an abundant supply of raw material. 
That but slight difficulties are to be encountered in the manipulation of 
this material is shown in the following letter from a practical English man- 
ufacturer, whose modesty forbids the mention his name, but whose entire 
reliability I can vouch for. 

'" , England, Aug. 16th, 1881. 

'■ 'John E- TTayes, Esq., 95 State Street Boston: 

" 'Dear Sir— Your esteemed favor of the 3rd inst. is duly to hand. I 
hasten, as a practical man in the manipulation of mohair, to give you a 
sketch, or short essay, on its spinning and working. 

" 'Its grozvth, as you well know, is from two districts, or I may state 
three, viz. : 

1. Asia Minor, about 4,800,000 pounds 

2. The Cape 1,600,000 pounds 

3. California 350,000 pounds 

Australia and the rest of the world 25,000 pounds 

Gingeline, also Asia Minor 120,000 pounds 

Van. also Asia Minor 240,000 pounds 

7,135,000 



Concerning the Mannfacturc of Mohmr. 129 

With a chance of this seven millions being doubled in a few years, not 
by the Turks, but by the Natalians, or South Africaners, and the Ameri- 
cans, whose countries are endless for its growth. So far, therefore, as 
to the quantity now produced. 

'■ 'Its 'manipulation is similar to the Lincoln wether wool. It is sorted 
into various qualities or grades, both for color and dyeing, but these 
may be said to be really 

No. 20, the breech, amounting to 2 per cent. 

No, 32, the next sort 45 per cent. 

No. 36, the next sort 27 per cent. 

No. 40, the next sort 8 per cent. 

No. 50 and GO, the next sort 3.50 per cent. 

Shorts and kempy pieces 14.50 per cent. 

100 

" 'As many as twenty-four sorts are sometimes made, but really about 
nine sorts are enough. Its combing is simple. Lister's machine is all 
you require. In order to get your top quite clear of kemp, you take what 
is called a milking, or backing noil out, and this either recombed or 
mixed ofif with the low sorts. To get clear and good tops it is necessary 
to comb them twice. 

" 'Its drawing is perhaps the most difficult operation, as you must have 
a perfectly even and level roving so as to prevent curl. 

" 'Its spinning requires nothing more than the ordinary skill. Be sure 
and avoid curl. You must have the common flyer. Cap, or ring, spin- 
ning won't do; the hairs, or kemps, fly so, and make your thread rough. 
Speed not more than 2,500. 

" 'Its twisting also must be done on fl}^ twisters, for the same 'smooth' 
reasons. 

" 'The Yarn and its Uses — Tl e chief use is for Utrecht velvets and imi- 
tation seal skins, then braids, etc.; in former fashions, alpaca lustres. 
Yarns for Utrecht velvets, seals and braids are all 2-fold, and 
the counts vary from 2-fold 32's, to 50's, for Utrecht velvets; 
from 2-fold 18's, to 60's, for imitation seals; and also single 
I's, and 2-fold 6's, for nigger heads, and astrachans; from 2-fold 
32's to 60's for braids, and also 2-fold 32's for 'ice yarn,' used for ladies' 
fingerings, and single 30's to 40's for alpaca lustres and mohair glaces. 

" 'So far, then, I give you a rough sketch of the sorting, combing 
drawing, spinning and twisting; and for your inspection, send you the 
enclosed list of samples, with such remarks as may be of interest to you. 
Always at your service, and thanking you for past kindnesses, 

" 'I am, yours, faithfully, 

(See Hayes, pp. 72, 73 and 74.) ■ 



^30 



A New Industry. 



It is estimated we have in the United States at the pres- 
ent time forty-nine manufacturers, who are using mohair, dis- 
tril)uted as follows: 

in Connecticut 1 Mill 

In Maine 11 Mills 

In Massachusetts 13 Alills 

And six woolen mills who use some mohair 

at times for dress goods. 

In New Jersey , • • • • 1 Mill 

In New York o Worsted Mills 

In New York 1 Braid Mill 

In New York 3 Hatters 

In Pennsylvania 7 Mills 

In Rhode Island 3 Mills 

In addition to the above, are a number of dress goods man- 
ufacturers who occasionly use mohair either raw, or in yarn, to 
mix with wool in dress goods and fancy efifects, also about a 
dozen knitters and some cap manufacturers who consume some. 

The amount of mohair consumed by the above mills is dif- 
ficult to learn, as a considerable amount passes through the 
hands of dealers in the interior and some is shipped direct to 
mills l)y the grower. The following table of imports is taken 
fr(^m the National Association of Wool Manufacturers' Bulle- 
tin for December, 1895, which is now very efficiently edited by 
Mr. S. N. D. North, the successor to Dr. John L. Hayes, who 
died in the spring of 1887: 

Exports of Mohatr to the United States for Five Years. 

FList (if January t-o Thtrty-Urst of December. 1890 i o 1894. 



Packages 



Pounds 



Value 



During- the year 1890 

During the year 1891 

During the year 1892 

During the year 1893 

During the year 1894 

Also 1st Jan. to 30th Sept., 1895 

.A.verage Exports per .\nnum, 1890 to 1894. 



1,624 
8,594 
7,117 
2,767 
4,743 
12,297 
4,969 



437,319 
1,536,105 
1,166,473 

541,770 

861,123 
2,061,549 

908,558 



: 24,604 
87,577 
67,537 
27,094 
48,229 

130,196 
51,008 



Concerning the Mannfaciure of Mohair. ISl 

It will be observed that the importations from year to year 
vary largely, which is explained by the changes in fashions 
for ladies' dress goods. It is safe to say however, that the 
annual consumption of mohair at the present time (1900) will 
average 2,000,000 lbs. of which about 1,200,000 lbs. is imported 
and 800,000 lbs. is produced in our own country. Plushes, 
upholstery goods, linings and buggy robes, are regarded as 
standard, and affords a regular demand, for a very considerable 
amount of the product, which is steadily increasing. 

In 1882 Dr. Hayes estimated that 562,000 lbs. of mohair was 
required annually for making plush for the covering of railroad 
car seats alone ; and it is safe to say that 750,000 lbs. of this fab- 
ric are consumed for this purpose at the present time (1900) if 
not more. In addition to this, upholsters goods, linings and 
buggy robes call for fully as much more, which lepresents 1,500,- 
000 lbs. of this material, taken for standard goods, consumed in 
the United States alone. 

Other countries will soon learn of the lasting qualities of 
this fibre, and it is very reasonable to believe that a large export 
trade will spring up for American manufactures of mohair as 
soon as our supply of raw material will justify it. Besides this, 
a great variety of other goods will be made, such as hosiery, knit 
underwear, etc., which will constantly increase the demand from, 
manufacturers, and if a proper tariff is maintained that will en- 
courage American farmers to engage in raising the Angora goat, 
there is little doubt but we will soon be enjoying a very great 
benefit from this new industry. 



PLATE XXXVIII. 




DUG-OUT. 
Often used in place of tents, for sbepherds, in permanent camps. 



Commercial Feectxires 



of the 



Irvd^stry. 



CHAPTER XL 

WHERE TO SELL MOHAIR, AND HOW IT IS GRADED. 

I do not think I exaggerate when I say that, not one mer- 
chant, in one thousand, has ever seen a bag of mohair, and not 
one, in fifty thousand, has any knowledge of the grades of it, 
how it is manipulated, or where it can be sold. A commission 
merchant, unless he makes a specialty of some certain product, 
wall receive anything on earth upon consignment, from a bushel 
of wheat to a steam locomotive, but it does not necessarily fol- 
low that he is competent to handle the same. I recall a circum- 
stance of this nature, during my residence in St. Louis. It was 
in the year 1874 that a commission merchant received several 
large bags of Angora goat hair from one of his constituents, 
which he had offered for sale to every one he could think of, 
but to no purpose. No one seemed to know what it was, and it 
remained in store year after year, and was finally disposed of 
for a pittance, as filling for mattresses, or something of the kind. 
I remember, distinctly, seeing the stuff, but at that time I did 
not know anything about mohair, and I only make mention of 
the matter now, to show how important it is for a producer to 
select a competent representative to sell his products through. 

During the time this mohair was lying in a warehouse in 
St. Louis, the market value of it in England ranged between 
70c and 90c a pound and the manufacturers in that country 
would have been glad to have bought it at that high price. There 
was little or no demand for it in this country, but if it had been 
consigned to a proper market, and to a mohair merchant, he 
would have shipped it to England, and have realized a proper 
value for it. 



176 A Nctu Industry. 

A great many owners of small flocks sell their clips, even at 
this late day, either to some speculator in the interior, or to 
their local merchant, and, as a rule, receive a very small sum for 
it. I have heard of mohair selling in this way for 17c per pound 
in Texas, when I received 30c to 32c for a like kind through my 
selling agents in New York. 

The value of mohair is largely governed by the caprice of 
fashion. If the fashion for ladies' dress favors "lustre goods," 
mohair is in greater demand and prices advance considerably. 
If fashion does not favor this class of goods, the trade is con- 
fined to standard articles, such as plush, upholsteries, linings, etc. 
for w^hich there is always a demand at a more or less uniform 
price. The experience of many years in England has established 
the fact that 25c to 30c per pound is as low as good mohair 
v/ill decline to, under most adverse conditions ; and, at this 
price, with well improved goats, the profit in raising them is 
very satisfactory. 

Liverpool, London, and Bradford, England, are the great 
central markets of the world for this product. The entire out- 
pur of Turkey and South Africa is sent there for sale, and it is 
then distributed to manufacturers in this country and Europe. 
Tlirough the courtesy of Messrs. Thomas & Cook, I append a 
list of imports into England, from the very incipiency of the 
trade. These gentlemen appear to have been connected with 
the business from the very beginning and shared liberally in 
tlie spirit of enterprise which extended the growth of this val- 
uable fibre into South Africa. Indeed, Mr. Cook was named by 
Sir Titus Salt as the selling agent of all the mohair that was to 
be produced from one of the first flocks of goats that was sent 
to that country in 1857, and from that day to the present time, 
his firm has been closely, and prominently, identified with the 
trade. 

The following is a list of the annual imports of mohair into 
England from Turkey since the year 1836 ; and, from South Af- 
rica, since the vear I860 : 



Where to sell Mohair, and hozv it is Graded. 



137 



IMPORTS OF MOHAIR INTO ENGLAND FROM TURKEY. 



1836 


680,000 


1857 


2,826,000 


1878 


4,641,000 


1837 


400,000 


! 1858 


3,212,000 


1879 


5,831,000 


1838 


995,000 


1859 


2.160,000 


1880 


8,245,000 


1839 


1,250,000 


1860 


2,016,000 


1881 


4,221,780 


1840 


1,300,000 


' 1861 


2.800.000 


1882 


9,065,250 


1841 


781,000 


1862 


3,186,000 


1883 


7,256,960 


1842 


677,000 


1863 


1,985,000 


1884 


9,019,860 


1843 


575,523 


1864 


3,450,000 


. 1885 


6,373,640 


1844 


1,290,771 


1865 


5,000,000 


1886 


9,825.320 


1845 


1,013,000 


1866 


3,960,000 


1887 


5,612,550 


1846 


1,287,320 


1867 


1,080,000 


1888 


7,509,070 


1847- 


1,219,000 


1868 


6,714,000 


1889 


8,844,080 


1848 


2,101,000 


1869 


4.103.000 


1890 


4,120,220 


1849 


2,387,000 


1870 


2,340,000 


1891 


6,495,115. 


1850 


2,019,000 


1871 


7.488,000 


1892 


8,774,541 


1851 


2,122,000 


1872 


5,501.000 


1893 


8,005,887 


1852 


1,918,000 


j 1873 


7,666,000 


1894 


6,889,165 


1853 


2,916,509 


1874 


7.992,000 


1895 


11,900,000 


1854 


1,178,560 


1875 


5.321,000 


1896 


4,900,000 


1855 


2.520.000 


1876 


4,430,000 


1897 


10,700,000 


1856 


2,430,000 


1877 


5,984,000 


1898 


10,200,000 



IMPORTS OF MOHAIR INTO ENGLAND FROM SOUTH AFRICA. 



1860 


385 


1873 


765,700 


1886 


5.420,000 


1861 


784 


1874 


1.030,000 


1887 


7,153,000 


1862 


1,030 


1875 


1.150,000 


1888 


9,598,000 


1863 


1,300 


1876 


1,330,000 


1889 


9,440,000 


1864 


8,100 


1877 


1,437,000 


1890 


9,230,000 


1865 


6,990 


1878 


1,360,000 


1891 


9,950,000 


1866 


21,000 


1879 


2,280,000 


1892 


10,516,000 


1867 


51.000 


1880 


2,590,000 


1893 


9,458,000 


1868 


103.000 


1881 


4,140.000 


1894 


9,600.000 


1869 


261,000 


1882 


3,776,000 


1895 


11,100,000 


1870 


405,000 


1883 


4.440,000 


1896 


10,000,000 


1871 


536,000 


1884 


4,320,000 


1897 


12,583,000 


1872 


876,700 


1885 


5,250,000 


1898 


10,000,000 



1^8 A Nczv Industry. 

In the United States, the City of New York is the central 
market. Mr. Wm. R. Payne of the firm of Wm. R. Payne & 
Co., is, perhaps, more intimately connected with the trade, than 
any other merchant. He appears to have had a natural fondness 
for the business for there was very little profit in it for many 
years, yet he has always used his I3est efforts to build up the 
breeding industry, and has worked, unceasingly, to encourage 
our government to bring in new blood from Turkey. He has 
written to the press, and has been, and is now, always ready to 
give information to breeders, no matter how small they may be, 
relative to the business. He has very kindly assisted me 
in getting information concerning the manner in which this pro- 
duct is handled, and has aided me largely in other matters, for 
which I feel under great obligation. 

Messrs. Kitching & Bicknell have also been prominent 
factors in building up the mohair industry, and enjoy the confi- 
dence of a large number of breeders. In addition to these may 
be mentioned : 

J. C. Ijnde &r Co., New York. 

Jno. M. Emnott, New York. 

John Finnigan & Co.. New York. 

Hutchins & Co.. P)Oston. 

L. S. Fiskc & Co.. Philadelphia. 

Who handle more or less of the product. 

The amount of mohair consumed annually in the world can 
only be arrived at through the importations into England from 
the Cape of Good Hope, and from Turkey, added to the clip of 
the United States. 

The following table will, therefore, give a very fair idea of 
the world's present consumption : 

Imports from South Africa to England 10,000,000 pounds 

Imports from Turkey to England 10,200,000 pounds 

Product of the United States 800,000 poundr. 

Total 21,000,000 pounds 



Where to sell Mohair, and how it is Graded. IS9 

This includes all classes, and, as much of the product of 
South x^frica and the United States, is of a low, cross-bred, or- 
der, short in staple, and kempy, much of it is only entitled to be 
called mohair "by courtesy." 

Every indication points to a large increase in the uses of 
this product, as may be readily inferred after reading the forego- 
ing chapter on manufacturing, and, that the raising of the An- 
gora goat offers great inducement to the American farmer, ad- 
mits of no argument. Indeed, conditions are more favorable 
for the culture of this animal in the United States, than any other 
country, not excepting its native land, Asia. 

. That the climate of the United States is peculiarly adapted 
to the growth of both animal and vegetable fibre is evidenced by 
the wonderful development of our cotton product, a plant in- 
troduced in this country less than two hundred years ago, and 
for the past century has maintained supremacy over all other 
growths. The development of the Spanish Merino sheep was 
attempted first in England, as early as 1788, by King George 
III., but was abandoned, (see Ency. Brit. Vol. I, 303) and was 
taken up by Americans early in the 19th century, and carried to 
a successful termination, resulting in the established breed of 
"American Merinos," which have been celebrated the world over 
for density of fleece, and fineness of fibre, for the past thirty 
years or longer. It is, therefore, not unreasonable to think 
that we will, sooner or later, take the lead of all nations in the 
product of mohair, as we have done with cotton, and would cer- 
tamly have done with wool, if it had not been for the vacillating 
policy of our law-makers relating to a protective tariff. As be- 
fore stated, the demand for mohair is largely governed by the 
freaks of fashion, but for staple goods, such as plushes, uphol- 
stery goods, finings, etc., there is always a regular demand for 
such grades as are suitable for this class of manufactures, but, 
the dress goods, and braid trade is uncertain and variable. The 
following extract from Dr. Hayes' work will convey some idea 
of the enormous demand for plush alone, and it should be borne 
in mind that the gfreat increase in railroad building since Mr. 



i/fo A Nezv Industry. 

Poor's estimate was made (1882) will justify a very large increase 
on his figures at the present time. I think, too, that his estimate 
should have been made upon the basis of three pounds of fleece, 
in place of four, which will largely increase his estimate of the 
number of goats. 

"Mr. H. V. Poor, the best American authority on railroads, informs 
me that not less than three thousand new passenger cars are built in 
the United States annually for old roads, and the number is increasing 
as new roads are built. Each passenger car has sixty seats, Four yards 
of mohair plush are required for each seat. There are nine ounces of 
mohair to a yard of plush, making 562,000 pounds of mohair for the 
three thousand cars. This divided by four, the average weight of the 
fleece, shows that about 150,000 Ang ras would be required to furnish 
the raw material for this single fabric, which will never go out of' fashion." 
(See Hayes, p. 118.) 

As a rule, most of the American clip of mohair has to be 
graded to prepare it for sale, which is done by the commission 
merchant who receives it upon consignment. Very few breed- 
ers have been so careful in breeding as to have a perfectly uni- 
form lot of goats, and their clips naturally show dilTerent strains 
of blood, which makes grading a necessary feature in handling 
it, when it reaches market. This shows the importance of hav- 
ing an experienced merchant to consign to, for it is pure guesr^- 
work to determine the value of a lot of mohair ungraded, yet, 
it is often, and I may say, universallv done in the interior, when 
it is sold to local merchants or to speculators, who generally 
buy in a lump, which explains the low price they usually pay. 

By a careful assortment of the different grades, the pro- 
ducer receives full compensation for h s product, and the manu- 
facturer is better satisfied, even after paying a premium over 
what he had, figured on. 

The characteristics which govern the STadins: of mohair 



are 



1st. The finest fibre. 
2d. The longest staple. 
3d. The brightest lustre. 
4th. The cleanest condition. 



Where to sell Mohair, and hotv it is Graded. 141 

Each merchant has liis own method of grading, which I 
consider wrong in principle. There should be a standard grade, 
in niy opinion, so that when quotations are named for any par- 
ticular grade of mohair, you may know it is not of this, or that, 
merchants' grading, but a "National standard grade," agreed to 
by all concerned in the trade. This is a very confusing element in 
many of our agricultural products, notably wool, which is hand- 
led very much in the same manner as mohair, and it is really 
impossible to determine what the market value of wool is by 
reading a market report of prices, unless you happen to be fa- 
miliar with the grades of the market. Each selling market of 
this product has a distinct and separate set of terms for different 
grades of wool, which the merchant and dealers in that market, 
of course, understand, but to the people at large is a perfect 
enigma. If "standard grades" could be agreed upon, as is follow- 
ed by the cotton trade in cur country, it would simplify matters, 
and would result in great benefit to producers. Of course, this 
reform can only come about by concert of action on the part of 
merchants engaged in the trade, and it is to be hoped, after our 
mohair industry has reached proportions to justify it, they will 
unite upon some uniform plan for grading which will be agree- 
able to all 

The method of grading mohair at this time is to first class- 
ify it into three large divisions, viz : 

1st. Combing. 

2d. Carding. 

3d. Coarse. 

These are again sub-divided by grades into the following: 

COMBING MOHAIR. 
XX Combing, or very finest, of 6 inches, and above. 
No. 1 Combing, or second finest, of six inches and above. 
No. 2 Combing, or third finest, of 6 inches, and above. 
Braid Combing, or fourth finest, of 6 inches, and above. 
Fine baby combing, a No. 1 medium staple, 5 to (i mch 
staple. 

Medium Combing, a No. 2 medium staple, 5 to 6 inch staple. 



i4'2 A Nczv Industry. 

CARDING MOHAIR. 

Carding- No. 1, and kid, less than 5 inches. 

Carding No. 2, less than 5 inches. 

Blanket — All cross-bred, of a low medium grade. 

COARSE MOHAIR. 
Carpet — Next lower quality. 
Common goat — White and gray. 
Burry, and seedy. 
Black Fleeces. 
Locks, Breech, and Manes. 

In determining value of mohair it is manifest that a fleece 
having the 

Very finest fibre. 
The longest staple. 
The brightest lustre, and 
The cleanest condition 

would be considered the most valuable, and form a standard by 
which all other qualities are fixed. As there are variations from 
this ideal standard, in respect to all four points running through 
the whole scale of grades, so the values vary. 

THE TURKISH SYSTEM. 
In Turkey, as a rule, each Province, or Vilayet, produces 
mohair that differs in character, condition, etc. The stock is 
r.sually assorted in Constantinople, and classified as louovvs; 

"Choice." 

"Superior." 

"Good Average." 

'"Average." 

"Ordinary." 

The white hair is separated from yellow, and stained ; and, 
all gray, brown, and fav/n, colors, are graded out. Then each 
Province's hair is sold under its own name, such as "Angora," 
"Tscherkess," "Kastombol," "Ishkissier," "Geridah," "Bei- 
bax.ar," etc. 



Where to sell Mohair, and hozv it is Graded. 14s. 

But, in addition to these factors m fixing value there is 
another feature that has to be considered. Mohair, being chiefly 
used in the manufacture of ''Worsted" yarns, has to be "combed," 
the proportion of short, woolly, and kempy, undergrowth, and 
all shortfibres of puremohair, therefore, hastobeconsidered. This 
is called "Noilage." When the mohair at the mill has been sorted 
it is called "matchings ;" and, after scouring, is put in a machine 
called a "comb." The first operation takes out the very bottom 
of wooly fibre, and whatever kemp there is, with, very often, 
specks of vegetable fibre, seeds, etc., which is called "first comb- 
ing noils." 

The second passage through the comb, separates all the 
mohair fibres, too short to spin into worsted yarn. This pro- 
duct is called the "second combing noils," and is a mohair fibre, 
but quite short. 

The long fibres are arranged parallel in a long, continuous 
band called "Top," from which it is .spun into yarn. It is quite 
evident that the less "noils," and the more "top," a lot of mohair 
yields, the more profitable, and valuable, it is. 

Turkish mohair averages from 10 per cent, to 20 per cent. 
"noils," while the American clip ranges from 22 per cent, to 40 
per cent., hence the relative difference in value. 

A few American clips are quite as free from "noils" as the 
Turkish mohair, and commands an equal price in market; and, 
there is no reason, if proper care is used in shearing the goats, 
why a large amount of our clip should not occupy the same po- 
sition. The value of combing hair increases with every inch 
in length, other factors being equal. 

The very coarse-fibred hair, from old bucks and wethers, 
when twelve inches and over is used for doll's hair, for wigs, and 
artificial gray hair for ladies, and ranges in value from 50c to 75c 
per pound. 

The following table will give the price at which mohair has 
sold in England since 185G, which is taken from the Bulletin of 
the National Wool Manufacturer's Association for December, 
1895 : 



144 ^ Nezv Industry. 

PRICES OF MOHAIR IN ENGLAND SINCE 1856. 



1856 48 cents 

1857 &{j cents 

1858 60 cents 

1859 72 cents 

1860 76 cents 

1861 76 cents 

1862 78 cents 

1863 90 cents 

1864 78 cents 

1865 66 cents 

1866 88 cents 

1867 90 cents 

1868 5i cents 

1859 86 cents 

1870 98 cents 

1871 78 cents 

1872 90 cents 

1873 Q{) cents 

1874 T'O cents 

1875 . . .82 cents 



1876 . .62 cents 

1877 56 cents 

1878 62 cents 

1879 36 cents 

1880 && cents 

1881 38 cents 

1882 45 cents 

1883 . 40 to 43 cents 

1884 37 to 45 cents 

1885 28 to 38 cents 

1886 . 23 to 32 cents 

1887 .25 to 29 cents 

1888 24 to 28 cents 

1889 25 to 42 cents 

1890 27 cents 

189] 24 cents 

1892 24 to 29 cents 

1893 37 cents 

1894 27 to 31 cents 

1895 28 to 64 cents 



CHAPTER XII. 

HOW TO PREPARE MOHAIR FOR MARKET. 

In shearing" goats it is very important that the cHpping 
should be as close to the skin as possible, as the longer the hair 
is the more money it will command in market. One of the re- 
cently patented shearing machines is probably the best method 
of taking off the fleece as it will insure a uniform staple, which 
is a very important feature. If ordinary wool shears are used, 
try and make one clip of the shears do the work. It is quite 
common with nearly all professional shearers, when they are 
paid by the head, to run over their work as fast as they can, in 
order to earn as much as possible during the day. Quite a rivalry 
exists among a gang, usually, as to which one can shear the 
fastest, and it is quite common for them to cut the hair into sev- 
eral pieces unless you are watching them, and insist upon their 
being more careful. The short hairs are of very little value, as 
explained in the foregoing chapter, and, when too short, will fly 
away in handling, which is a complete loss. If the fleeces are of 
different lengths, the longest mohair should be kept separate. 
Coarse, kempy, hair (quite common in low grades of goats), 
should not be mixed with the better grades, as it will reduce the 
selling price of the liner hair. The beard of the animal is of 
but little value and should not be removed. 

The most approved method for shearing, perhaps, is to first 
shear the locks, and short belly hair, and then take off the 
fleece proper, which should be kept in tact, as far as possible, 
folding each fleece separate, and placing it in a bag as soon as 
shorn. 



1^6 A Nciv Industry. 

It is not necessary to tie the fleece with twine. If any of 
the hair contains burrs, or any vegetable, or foreign matter, 
it should be packed separate ; and all black, and off-colored 
fleeces should be kept together. 

Kid fleeces will command a premium ; and, if there are 
enough of them, to make a package of any reasonable size, it is 
well not to mix them with the older hair. 

The ordinary wool sack is commonly used for shipping, 
and between 150 to 175 pounds is quite enough to pack in a six 
foot sack. More than this can be tramped into it, but it is best 
not to pack too tight. 

Some breeders, more particularly in New Mexico, put their 
mohair up in compressed bales like cotton. This is a very poor 
plan, as it must be assorted, and classified by the merchant, 
when it reaches its destination, and if it is loosely packed, it fa- 
cilitates the handling of it, and always presents a better appear- 
ance than when all the life has been squeezed out of it by 
pressing. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE TRADE IN ANGORA GOAT SKINS, AND HOW 1*0 
PREPARE THEM FOR MARKET' 

Quite an extensive trade is carried on in Angora goat 
skins. 

No less than twenty thousand pelts are imported every year 
through the port of New York, alone, from Turkey and South 
Africa, which are graded according to the length of hair, fullness 
of fleece and weight. 

Turkish skins usually range from $1.50 for five pound skins 
up to $3.50 for a ten pound skin. 

The Cape skin (the term "Cape" is applied to it because it is 
shipped through the Cape of Good Hope) is sold by weight, 
and ranges from twenty-five to thirty cents per pound. 

The Domestic skin is very much like "Cape's," and sells for 
about the same price ; though, if they are well fleeced and prop- 
erly cured will bring $2.00 to $2.50. 

The kid skin sells at from 25 cents to 50 cents each, accord- 
ing to quality and condition. 

Curing, is a very important matter, and the market value is 
largely governed by it. 

It is not at all uncommon for the American breeder to throw 
his raw skin upon a fence rail, a barbed wire fence, or in the 
crotch of a tree, if that should be the most convenient place, 
and then he wonders why it is that the Turkish skins bring so 
much more money in market than his do. 

The Turks are very careful to remove all flesh, and to salt 
the skin thoroughly, and then dry it in a shady place. If it is 
dried in the sun it will get sunburned, which is injurious. 



148 ' A Nctv Industry. 

If salt is not to be had, they can be cured nicely by stretching 
them out on the floor of a room, and tacking them down by the 
edge of the skin, wlicre it should remain until perfectly dry. If 
it is not stretched out and tacked down, it will curl up into all 
kinds of shape, which explains the reason why many of the do- 
mestic skins sell so poorlv. 

Skins that are dried in the manner last mentioned are liable 
to be damaged by the hide bug,, and should be sent to market 
promptly if the weather is hot. 

They can be poisoned, however, by sprinkling the flesh side 
of the pelt with a solution of arsenic (I3/2 ounces of arsenic to 1 
gallon of water), and can be kept for some time in this way. 

The dry-salt method is much the more convenient, as they 
can be salted in a store room and placed on top of each other 
mitil you decide to send them to market, when they should be 
laid out on the floor, the salt carefully removed, with a broom, 
and then thoroughly dried, when they are in condition to be 
bundled, or baled, for shipment. 

Fifty skins make a very convenient sized bale. 

It may not be generally known that the goat family is sup- 
plying nearly all of the so-called fur that is now being used 
by our fashionable people. If you will ask any (honest) furrier 
he will tell you that the great bulk of his carriage robes, over- 
coats, capes, etc., are made from the common goat skin, and 
this alone should be encouragement enough for farmers to 
become interested in the Angora, for there is no product that 
commands such good prices as furs. 

The bufifalo, which were once so common in the United 
vStates as to be hardly worth the skinning, are now not quoted 
at all, owing to the complete extermination of the animal. 

Bear, are likewise, very scarce, and sell at prices ranging 
from $10.00 to $50.00. There are very few seal, otter, and 
beaver; and, at the present rate of c nsumption, and the high 
prices that are being offered and paid for them, these will soon 
be exterminated as well. 

The "Hudson's Bay Company," and similar concerns, have 
been supplying a demand for furs for the past hundred years or 



Angora Goat Skins and liozv to Prepare for Market. 14^ 

more, which has come from all portions of the globe ; and, when 
we reflect upon the enormous number of wild animals that ex- 
isted on this continent in the early days, a fair idea can be formed 
of the unlimited extent that this trade possesses. The buffalo, 
for instance, roamed from the North to the South in droves 
that were, at times, so enormous that, when they were on the run. 
would make the very earth tremble. Up to within twenty years 
Ihese great droves of bufTalo were often seen in Texas, but they 
have all disappeared, and the animal is not to be seen now any- 
where, except in some city park or menagerie. 

Is there any wonder then, at the fabulous prices that are 
being offered and paid for furs? The great advance in price 
is indicative of how sorely the human family miss this great 
gift from nature. But they are all gone or will be very soon, 
and a substitute, in the form of manufactured fabrics, will have 
to be used to afford the warmth that these wild animal skins 
have done for so many centuries. 

The ox, and the cozv, are being largely employed in this 
respect; and, the cat, and rabbit, are also being brought into use, 
which were seldom ever used before, owing to the delicate nature 
of their skins. Individuals have resorted to propagating the 
black skunk, and have found it a very profitable business, and, if 
it were not for the great expense of feeding the animal a dog 
ranch would pay as large a profit as raising cattle. 

In the Angora goat, we have, perhaps, the most perfect sub- 
stitute for animal fur that can be found." The skin can be taken 
at various stages in the growth of the hair, and can be made to 
represent very many of the wild animal skins so perfectly that 
they can hardly be detected from the genuine. The monkey skin 
muff and boa, that are so commonly worn by young ladies, are 
nothing else but the straight-haired goat, dyed black ; and, much 
of the so-called "Astrachan," is the curly-haired Angora skin, 
taken when the hair is only about one month's growth. 

The hear is another skin that the goat can duplicate, and, 
when properly dyed, will defy the most expert furrier to detect. 

In addition to this there is a great demand for floor rugs. 
Angora lace trimmings, muffs, capes, boas, etc., for ladies' 
and children's wear, and the furriers who supply this trade, have 



1^0 A Nezv Industry. 

never found any skin so suitable as that of the Angora goat, 
with its kistrous, curly hair. Such rugs are very ornate and at- 
tractive, and are the envy of all ladies who are tasty in furnishing 
their dwellings. As compared with a woven rug, they are, as a 
Cashmere shawl would be to one made from cotton, and the de- 
mand for them will always be sufficiently great to return a fair 
profit on the cost of producing the animal. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

CONCENTRATING UPON ONE MARKET. 

The members of nearly every branch of commercial, and in- 
dustrial pursuits, have within the past thirty years, come under 
some form of organization for their mutual interest and benefit. 
The merchants have their "exchanges," or "boards of trade;" 
the railroads their "combines," to maintain a higher rate of 
freight ; the manufacturers and miners, have "trusts," and the 
laboring men their "unions." All seem to recognize the fact 
that it is necessary to work together, upon some uniform plan, 
in order to receive the full benefits from their capital and labor, 
under the law of supply and demand. 

The farmer, and stock-raiser, alone, stand out; and, although 
many attempts have been made to imite them under some prac- 
tical organization, nothing has come out of it, as yet. 

The most important part of agriculture, perhaps, is that 
which relates to the commercial features of it. The late Secre- 
tary of Agriculture, Hon. J. M. Rusk, in one of his annual 
reports, very wisely said : 

"It requires as much skill to market a crop, as it does to produce it." 

A farmer who has not the proper knowledge of the trade he 
is dealing with, should select some competent merchant to rep- 
resent him in converting his products into cash ; he may be ever 
so skilful as a farmer, may be able to make "two blades of grass 
grow, where only one grew before ;" but, if he has not the com- 
mercial ability to cope with the experienced and shrewd buyer, he 
is compelled to trade with, he may find that he does not realize as 
much as his less skilful neighbor, who consigns his produce to 
some capable merchant. 



15- A Nezv Indusiry. 

The selling of wool, for instance, seems to be simple 
enough, but there is more of a science in it than appears on the 
surface. The calling of the wool merchant is equally as difficult 
to master as that of any other profession. He must know the 
way in which wools are graded in different markets, and what 
they are worth, both in this country and abroad. Mr. Rusk says 
again : 

"In these days, there is no distance limitations to possible competi- 
tion, * * * There is no section in the civilized world which may not 
at some time, and in regard to some product, be found to be a competitor 
of the American farmer." U. S. Agtl. Report, 1891, p. 39. 

He must also be familiar with the supply of wool in stock, 
and in the hands of manufacturers, in order to know whether 
he should hold it longer, or sell what he has on hand at the price 
he is offered. 

The average wool grower of the United States, however, 
does not recognize these facts. He either undertakes to sell 
his own wool, or will entrust it to some popular friend who has, 
perhaps, made a failure as a wool grower, and has painted his 
sign "wool mcrcltaiif ;" or, he may select some country cross-road 
grocery keeper to represent him; some "jay-"' who has never 
seen the inside of a counting-room, and possibly has never been 
beyond the boundaries of his own State, whose business is 
usually advertised upon the panels of the country road gates, in 

such a conspicuous way as "Bring your wool, and mohair, to 

and get New York prices for it." These are the kind of 
''merchants" that are frequently employed in the interior to sell 
wool to the expert wool dealer, from the large markets of the 
East, who has made a life-time study of his business, and is famil- 
iar with all of its details.* 

*It does not necessarily iollow that we have no competent wool mer- 
chants in the interior of' our States; but, I maintain, the great majority 
of those who are engaged in that business have never received the 
necessary training 1;o justify them in conducting it properly. And, fur- 
thermore, no matter how competent a merchant may be unless he has 
access to information relating to the statistics, as well as the grades 
of wool he cannot trade' intelligently. 



Concentrating iipon one Market. ijj 

In the absence of "standard grades," no one but an ex- 
perienced dealer can tell what the different market reports mean. 
Some grades of wool may be cjuoted in one market at a very 
low price, that are of a better quality than another grade, which 
is quoted at a much higher value in another market. 

A shrewd buyer will select just such market cjuotations 
as suits his purpose the best, when driving a trade with the inex- 
perienced merchant, and after he has made a trade, will leave 
him in blissful ignorance of the fact that he has parted with his 
wool at much below its real value. 

If wool-growers would unite upon a single market, and 
concentrate their wool in the hands of the merchants of that 
one market alone, they would profit very largely by the change, 
for they woiild eliminate the two hundred and sixty-five different 
market quotations, which are, perhaps, the most disturbuig 
element in this trade at the present time. The London wool 
market is a very fine illustration of this system, and indicates 
clearly the wisdom of the Australian, New Zealand, and Argen- 
tine, wool-growers in adopting it. 

Their wools are concentrated in London, and sold at reg'ular 
intervals, which has a tendency to increase competition, and re- 
sults, very naturally, in higher values. They use but one set of 
grade terms, which is, practically, the same as a standard. 

This system has been followed for years, and is admitted to 
be the most desirable one for a producer of an agricultural 
product to follow, and if the mohair growers of the United 
States will unite on New York City, as the mohair market for 
the United States, in place of shippmg to several markets, and 
still worse, selling here and there in the interior, there is no 
doubt but it will result greatly to the benefit of every producer 
of mohair in our country. 



CHAPTER XV. 

ANGORA VENISON AS A SALABLE PRODUCT. 

A few years back, the prejudice for goat meat was so strong, 
it was impossible to find sale for any considerable number of 
Angora goats at any of our large meat-packing centers, though 
it was not uncommon -for packers to slaughter a few when they 
were shipped in with a lot of sheep. 

Today there is no difficulty in selling them in any quantity, 
provided they are fat, and the sheep feeder stands ready to take 
as many as the packers reject; hence, it may be safely stated 
that the Angora is now recognized, on our markets, as a stand- 
ard class of meat. 

In 1895-6, a difference of $1.00 per hundred was made in 
favor of sheep, but this has been steadily narrowed down until 
there is little or no distinction made between well-graded An- 
goras and the finest sheep, and it is not unlikely that in- a few 
years more, a premium will be paid for the Angora. Indeed, I 
am morally certain of this, for the simple reason that a butcher 
can realize more profit from the Angora than he can from the 
the sheep. The pelt of a highly improved Angora will net the 
butcher fully twice as much as the pelt of a sheep ; and it is quite 
common for a two-year-old Angora to "break at the joint" (the 
usual test applied to lamb), which makes it more salable. 

But, apart from this, the meat is superior to that of the 
sheep, and will naturally take precedence in market, on its merit 
alone, and will soon be sold under its proper name : "Angora 
Venison,^' instead of being palmed ofif for "Choice Lamb." Very 
few people have ever tasted a young Angora wether that 
do not want more, and it is not at all surprising that the preju- 
dice against them is being so rapidly removed. 



Angora Venison as a Salable Product. 755 

In 1856, the late Dr. John Bach man, an eminent naturaUst 
of Charleston, S. C, was selected by the "Southern Central 
Agricultural Association of Georgia," to make a report on the 
goats imported by Dr. Davis in 1849, then in possession of Col. 
Richard Peters. 

This report was published by the United States Agricultural 
Department in 1857, from which I extract the following: 

"We have never indulged in the extravagant luxury of feasting on' 
a full-blooded animal of this variety but we have, on several occasions, 
made a hearty meal on the quarter, half, or three-quarter bloods, and 
all who dined in company, pronounced the meat of the half-breed wethers 
superior to lamb; and an eighteen-months' old, superior to mutton. The 
flavor approaches nearer to venison, than to mutton. They remain fat 
nearly throughout the year, and in November, are almost too fat for 
the table. We observed a great improvement in the progeny of the 
full-bloods over their imported parents, both in fatness, and in size." 
(S;e Agtl. Dept. Report 1857, psjc ("2 j 

Mr. A. L. Johns, a prominent salesman of sheep, on the 
Kansas City Stock Yards for many years, but who has recently 
moved to Chicago, has, very kindly, written me the following 
letter upon this subject : 

"Chicago. 111., Dec. 1st, 1899. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Fort McKavett, Texas: 

"Dear Sir — In reply to your inquiry as to the present status of the 
Angora goat upon the Kansas City and Chicago markets, I beg to say 
that the conditions, as they exist now, compared with ten years ago. 
are very gratifying indeed. At that time, the Angora goat was hardly, 
known in the North, and was seldom seen upon our markets; they were 
supposed to be only good for barn yards, and if a butcher had dared 
to offer for sale even a leg of goat meat, his market would have been' 
blacklisted, and his patrons would have looked elsewhere for their mutton 
chops. Today, thousands of the little white animals are to be found in 
nearly every State in the Union, and are as much a source of revenue 
to their owners as the better grade, of their kin-folk, the sheep family. 

"Recentlj', in conversation with Mr. Tyson, of Blair, Neb., who, 
during the past three years, has fed and marketed four thousand of the 
grade Angoras, he stated that his profits had been fully as great, taking 
into consideration the money invested, as he ever made in feeding sheep. 
Continuing, he stated that they are not at all susceptible to disease, such 
as foot rot, scab, etc., with which breeders and feeders of sheep, have^ 
to contend; and that, as scavengers, they are invaluable, and in his opin- 



I5<^ A Nczv Industry. 

ion, every farmer having rougli and brushy pastures should have a small 
flock to keep it cleaned up; and that they would be repaid ten times 
over the cost of their flock. 

"In conclusion, I will say I firmly believe the time has come when 
breeders and feeders of the grade Angora goat, will be counted among 
our successful and prosperous stockmen; producing a wholesome, nutri- 
tious meat that will meet with ready demand upon any of our large 
markets; and, in place of salesman begging buyers to bid on them, as 
in years gone by, there will be active competition from all the packers, 
and sales can be readily made within thirty to forty cents per one hun- 
dred pounds of the best mutton. 

"Yours very truly, 

A. L. JOHNS, 
"Sheep Salesman, Union Stock Yards, Chicago " 

And the "Chicago Live Stock Commission Company," of 
Chicago, Kansas City, and St. Louis,- add their testimony to the 
growing popularity of this animal on our meat markets, in the 
following very courteous reply to an incjuiry I recently sent to 
them : 

"Chicago, 111.', March 10th, 1900. 

-■'Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas: 

"Dear Sir — Your favor, in answer to mine of recent date, at hand and 
■contents carefully noted. The information contained therein is very 
•acceptable, for which I sincerely thank you. I have taken a great interest 
in the goat industry for the past six or seven years, and as you are 
undoubtedly aware, we have handled more of them than any other com- 
mission firm in the United States. We have had them of all kinds and 
sizes, and all breeds, but the Angora stands at the head of the list, and is 
gaining in favor yearly on this market. Recently a double-deck of 
100-pound, two, and three-year-old, wether goats, sold here at 4.75 per 
cwt. This was when the top of the market for our best sheep was about 
5 cents per pound. Seven or eight years ago this same load of goats 
would not have sold within $1.00 per cwt. of sheep in the same condition. 
The load referred to, understand, were well finished and although we have 
had none here recently, several hundred could be sold every week at 
prices which would be very satisfactory to the owner. We have had 
numerous inciuiries from farmers, throughout the country tributary to this 
market, asking where they could get stock goats, the most of them being 
wanted for the cleaning up of brush land, but so far as we have been 
able to judge the demand for them has far exceeded the supply during the 
past year or two. I am of the firm opinion that the meat of the well 



Ano-ora Venison as a Salable Product. 



^57 



finished Angora goat ranks well up to that of our best mutton, and I 
predict that, ten years from today, this industry will be carried on in the 
United States much more extensively than at present. 
"With kindest regards, I remain, 

"Yours to command, 

E. R. JOHNS, 
Sheep Salesman for 'Chicago Live Stock Com. Co." 

It is not possible to arrive at a correct estimate of the num- 
ber of Angora goats sold, for the reason they are classified with 
sheep, and are included in the receipts of that class of stock in 
all of the leading stock yards. It is very common to see them 
in lots of one thousand, and over, and it is to be hoped that our 
stock yards will soon adopt a different system, and keep a record 
of each class. 

It is surprising to note the wonderful growth in the demand 
that has been created for mutton in the past quarter of a cen- 
tury in our country. In referring to this, in 1889, the late Hon. 
J. M. Rusk, Secretary of Agriculture, in his report for that 
year, says : 

"The rapid increase in consumption of mutton is indicated by an 
enlargement of the receipts of sheep at Chicago and St. Louis ifrom 
544,627 in 1875 to 1,971,683 in 1888. The increase in New York, during 
the same period amounts to 750,000." (See Agtl. Dept. Report 1889, 
p. 43.) 

The following table will show the total receipts of both cat- 
tle and sheep at Chicago during the past thirty-three years : 



Year 


Cattt.e 


Sheep 


Year 


Cattle 


Sheep 


1865 -7s 


613 


1,433 


1875 . . . 


920,843 


418,948 


1866. .. 


393,008 


207,987 


1876.. . 


. 1,096.745 


364.095 


1867. .. 


329,188 


180,888 


1877... 


. 1,033.151 


310,240 


1868... 


324,524 


270,891 


1878.. . 


. 1,083.068 


310,420 


1869... 


403,102 


340,072 


1879... 


. 1,215,732 


325.119 


1870... 


532,964 


349,853 


1880.. . 


. 1,382,477 


335,810 


1871. .. 


543,050 


315.053 


1881.. . 


. 1,498,550 


493,624 


1872. .. 


684,075 


310.211 


1882.. . 


. 1,582.530 


628,887 


1873. .. 


761,428 


291.734 


1883... 


. 1,878,944 


749,917 


1871... 


843,966 


3; 3 ^55 









^3S 



A Nciv Industry. 



Year 


Cattle 


tSHHEP 


Yeah 


Cattle 


Sheep 


1884 . . . 


1,817,697 


801,630 


1892 . . . 


3,571,796 2,145,079 


1885 . . . 


1,905,518 


1,003,598 


1893 . . . 


3,133,406 3,031,174 


1886 . . . 


1,963,900 


1,008,790 


1894 . . . 


2,974,363 3,099,725 


1887 . . . 


2,382,008 


1,360,862 


1895 . . . 


3,588,558 3,406,739 


1888 . . . 


2,611,543 


1,515,014 


1896 . ... 


2,600,476 3,590,655 


1889 . . . 


3,023,381 


1,832,469 


1897 .. . 


2,554,924 3,606,640 


1890 . . . 


3,484,280 
3,250,359 


3,182,667 
2,153,537 


1898 . . . 
Total 


2,480,897 1 3,589,439 


1891 . . . 


.|56,850,960|40,866,855 



It will be observed from the above table that, while the 
receipts of cattle, at Chicago, increased from 393,007 in 1866, to 
3,480,897 in 1898, or a little more than six times ; those of sheep 
incuased from 207,987 in 1866, to 3,589,439 in 1898, or over sev- 
enteen times. 

ANGORA VENIvSON. 



It took a long- time to bring the sheep into the prominent 
position it now occnpies upon our markets, though the English 
recognized the superior qualities of the meat at a very early day. 

The prejudice against the coarse, common goat has had a 
tendency to restrict the use of Angora venison, owing to the 
fact that the animals have usually been classed together as goats, 
but they are not at all alike, which is clearly shown in the sale 
of their skin for tanning into leather. The skin of the common 
goat is coarse grained and thick, while that of the Angora is 
very thin, and fine grained, and is not at all suitable for leather. 
The difference in the quality of the meat is still greater. Angora 
venison being as much superior to the common goat as the 
Belgian hare is superior to our wild native jack rabbit. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

IS THERE ANY DANGER FROM OVER PRODUCTION? 

The one element, in agriculture, to be dreaded above all 
others is "over-production." 

The losses sustained by farmers from all our severe drouths 
and overflows, are as nothing compared with those from this 
single cause. 

In the past thirty years, the value of cotton has been 
dragged down from fifteen cents per pound in 1870, to about 
six cents (and it was down to four and one-half in 1898) in 1899, 
a depreciation of $45.00 per bale, or nearly twice as much as the 
entire bale of cotton is now sold for ; and the shrinkage in the 
value of wheat has been no less severe. 

The cause of over-production is due to a scramble among 
farmers to raise the most salable products. When cotton meets 
with favorable demand, every farmer is anxious to grow as 
much as he possibly can the following season, and the result is 
a glutted market and decline in price. 

Remedy, after remedy, has been suggested, to regulate mat- 
ters, but as yet nothing of a practical nature has been found. 
If it were possible to control acreage, there would be no trouble 
in solving the problem, for the farmer would then have an organ- 
ization in the nature of a "trust," which would enable him to 
supply the demand, with as much, or as little as was wanted. 
But this is not practical, and, it is doubtful, if there will ever be 
any remedy for this terrible evil to agriculture until the non- 
producing class of our population is so largely increased as to 
create a greater demand for farm products than the acreage will 
justify. That this time will be reached sooner or later, there 
is no doubt, but it is too far removed from the present sufferers 
to admit of serious consideration. 



i6o A Nezv Industry. 

Diversification of products is, perhaps, the most practical 
system for a farmer to operate on, and in this new branch of 
ag-ricuhure, which it is my privilege to call attention to, I think 
we have a product that is as free from the danger of over-pro- 
duction as any that I know of. 

The annual yield of mohair in the United States, at the pres- 
ent time, amounts to about 800,000 pounds ; and the demand from 
our manufacturing industry 2,000,000 pounds, which will admit 
of an increase in our supply of 1,200,000 pounds, requiring an 
increase of 400,000 head of goats having a shearing capacity 
of three pounds each. It will take but a few years to 
cover this gap, and in all probability the supply of mohair will 
sooner or later exceed the demand, and the market price be 
forced down under the inexorable law of supply and demand, 
the same as in our cotton and wheat products. But, we have a 
safe-guard in this new industry, which does not exist in any 
other branch of farming. There are three outlets for the pro- 
duct, either of which can be supplied that offers the greatest 
inducement. 

One is through the manufacturer, for mohair. 

One is through the butcher, for meat. 

One is through the furrier, for pelt. 

As long, as it will pay to produce mohair it can be done ; 
but, if the price should decline to an unprofitable point, the 
animal can be fattened for market, and sold to the butcher, and 
the pelt to the furrier, which will correct the evil of over-produc- 
tion, and restore a fair market value for mohair. 

The demand for the product, from either branch I have 
mentioned, is quite large enough to support a great number 
of goats. 

/// mohair, we have the world before us, and a constantly 
increasing application for the product. 

//; meat, we have an unlimited demand, at a price that will 
always aft'ord a satisfactory profit in raising the animal, more 
especially when the skin, or pelt, is taken into consideration. 

The pelt supplies a demand from the furrier, which I 
have made the subject for a separate chapter (No. XIII). 



CHAPTER XVII. 

TARIFF ON MOHAIK, LIVE GOATS, AND ANGORA SKINS. 

The mohair-growing industry has never received the atten- 
tion from members of Congress that its importance to the 
country would seem to justify. 

It was first placed upon the tariff, by the act of August 30, 
18-13, when a duty of one cent per pound was placed upon 
"Thibet, Angora, and all other goats' hair, or mohair, unmanu- 
factured." See S. L., Vol. 5., Chap. CCLXX. 

The act of July 30, ISrtG, changed the duty to twenty per 
cent, ad valorem. See S. L., Vol. 9., Chap. LXXIV. 

The act of March 2, 1861, levied a duty of nine cents per 
pound on "Hair of the Alpaca, goat, and other like animals,"" 
if it exceeded 24 cents per pound in value at the place from 
which it was exported. See S. L., Vol. 12, Chap. LXVIIi. 

By the act of June 30th, 1864, the tariff was changed to read 
as follows : " * * * on all hair of the Alpaca, Goat, and other 
Like Animals, * * * exceeding thirty-two cents per pound, 
twelve cents per pound, and in addition thereto ten per cent, 
ad valorem, making the duty equivalent to a trifle over fifteen 
cents per pound. See S. L. Vol. 13, Chap. CLXXI, Sec. 4. 

The act of March 2nd, 1867, divided "all Wools, Hair of the 
Alpaca, Goat, and other Like Animals," into three classes, for 
the purpose of fixing the duty to be charged, to-wit : 

Class 1. Clothing wool. 

Class 2. Combing wools. 

Class 3. Carpet wools, and other similar wools. 

The hair of the alpaca, and goat, were placed in class 2, and 
the duty was made, ten cents per pound, and eleven per cent, ad- 



1(52 A Neiv Industry. 

valorem, when of the vahie of thirty-two cents per pound o"r 
less ; and above thirty-two cents per pound, the duty was to be 
twelve cents per pound, with ten per cent, ad valorem added," 
which was, practically, the same as the duty in the former tariff. 
See S. L., Vol. 14, Chap. CXCVII, Sec. 1. 

By the act of March 3rd, 1883, the tariff was again altered, 
so as to reduce the duty on goat hair to "ten cents per pound 
when of the value of thirty cents per pound, and twelve ce.x.s 
per pound when the value should exceed thirty cents per pound." 
There was no ad valorem duty connected, as in the act of 18G7 
which practically reduced the tarifif on mohair about three cents 
per pound. But, the most significent change in this tariff, was 
that of arranging the duty according to the conditions in which 
wool, alpaca, and goat's hair, was imported. If it was imported 
in its "natural condition," the above duties of ten, and twelve cents, 
respectively, were to be paid; but, if imported in a "washed" 
condition, the duty was to be double, or twenty and twenty- 
four cents per pound ; and, if "scoured," it was to be three times 
as great as if it were to be imported in its "natural condition," 
which would be equivalent to "thirty cents per pound on wool 
of a value of thirty cents per pound, and thirty-six cents per 
pound when the value exceeded thirty cents per pound." See 
S. L., Vol. 32, Chap. CXXI, Schedule K. 

The act of October 1st, 1890, levied a specific duty of 
"twelve cents per pound on goat's hair-, alpaca, and camel's hair," 
making the same provisions as in the act of 1883, for wools and 
hair, that are imported in a different form than the original 
condition. See S. L., Vol. 26, Chap. 1244, Schedule K. 

The tariff act of August 27th, 1894, under Mr. Grover Cleve- 
land's administration, placed wool, and goat's hair, upon the 
free list, and the succeeding administration of Mr. Wm. Mc- 
Kinley restored it to the tariff, together with wool, and other 
animal fibres, imposing a duty of twelve cents per pound, with 
the same terms respecting conditions, etc., as in the act of 
1883 and 1890, which is in force at the present time. 

The general purpose of the tariff, of course, is to obtain a 
necessary revenue to support the government upon, and from 



Tariff on Mohair, Live Goafs, and Angora Skins. i6^ 

a review of the foregoing extracts from our several tariff laws 
it is quite evident that mohair has never attracted the attention 
of Congress in any other sense than as a revenue-producing 
article. The fact that it has always been classified with the 
"hair of the camel, alpaca, and other like animals," neither of 
which have ever been introduced into this country, with a view 
of propagating the animal, for their hair, is prima facie evidence 
of this. But, there is another purpose in the tariff, as I under- 
stand it, which is, to foster, and encourage, such industries as our 
country is capable of carrying on successfully, and I think the 
experience of the past thirty-eight years in the United States, 
has clearly demonstrated the wisdom of such a policy. If the 
United States is capable of producmg an article it is certainly 
great folly to purchase it abroad ; and, if we are capable of pro- 
ducing mohair, there is certainly no sense in buying it from 
Turkey, or South Africa. The American farmer is entitled to 
the revenue from this branch of agriculture, and it is an injury 
to the country at large if we do not produce it upon our own 
soil. 

The question to be considered then, is : "What amount of 
duty should be placed on mohair ?" 

As a rule, the tariff upon all products is governed by the 
cost of producing it in other countries, and is adjusted so as to 
place the United States producer upon an equal footing with 
the most favored nation on the globe. For instance, wool can 
be produced, and sold, profitably, in some countries for five 
cents per pound, whereas, the American farmer cannot produce 
and sell it for less than seventeen cents per pound; hence, unless 
a duty of twelve cents is levied upon foreign wool, it is evident 
the American farmer v,all not be able to compete in producing 
it, and will gradually drop out of the business. 

As to the cost of raising mohair, I have no doubt the pres- 
ent tariff of twelve cents is quite enough to equalize this country 
with both Turkey and South Africa (the only competing points 
that we have), but it should be borne in mind that we have but 
a small number of mohair-producing goats, and if we expect 
to develop the industry rapidly, we will be compelled to grade up 



164 A Nczv Industry. 

the common goat, which will require several years of patient 
labor, with little or no revenue, before we can produce much 
mohair; and, to encourage farmers to undertake this tiresome 
task, some additional duty should be levied that will satisfy them 
they will be compensated for the delay in grading up the animal 
to a revenue producing basis. 

There is, perhaps, no product on our tariff that can so 
easily support a high duty as mohair, for it is consumed alto- 
gether by the rich, and largely by wealthy railroad corporations 
for plush coverings to railroad coaches, who can well afford to 
pay a liberal subsidy to the hard working farmers of our country. 

Another view to take of this matter is the spinning capacity 
of mohair, as compared with other fibres, which are on the 
tariff. Wool pays a duty of eleven cents, in its "natural condi- 
tion," and when "washed," it pays twenty-two cents ; and, when 
"scoured," thirty-three cents per pound. One pound of mohair 
in its "natural condition" will go nearly as far as one pound of 
"scoured" wool, owing to the fact of there being no grease in 
mohair. 

If "scoured" wool pays a duty of thirty-three cents per 
pound, it would seem to be only fair to make the tariff 
twenty-five cents on mohair, which would be only a trifle over 
what is now paid on "washed" wool ; and, I feel certain that a 
manufacturer will spin as much working yarn from a pound of 
mohair, in its "natural condition," as he will from a pound of 
"washed" wool. 

The present duty on silk (raw) is forty cents per pound. 
Mohair is largely used to mix with this fibre, and it is often very 
hard to detect the adulturation.* Indeed, it is so very closely 
related to silk, in general appearance, that a tariff of twelve 
cents on one, and forty cents on tlie other, would seem to be 
entirely out of proportion. 

Still another reason why the government should aid in 
developing this industry is, because the Turkish government, 



*Dr. Hayes says: "Mohair yarn is employed largely in Paris, Nis- 
mes, Lyons, and Germany, for the manufacture of laces, which are sub- 
stituted for the silk lace fabrics of Valenciennes, and Chantilly." (See 
Hayes, p. 39.) 



Tariff on Mohair, Live Goats, and Angora Skins. i6§ 

at the present time, prohibits the exportation of any of their 
mohair goats, and the breeders in Cape Colony, South Africa, 
have recently had an act passed by their Colonial Parliament 
placing an export duty of $500.00 upon those that they have 
in their country. This will practically force the American breed- 
ers to rely upon the limited number of Angora goats that we 
now have in the United States, which, however, will be quite suf- 
ficient to build up a very large industry, provided the business 
can be made profitable to the present owners of stud flocks, 
which can only be accomplished, however, by encouraging 
others to improve the common (Mexican) goat, a course that was 
taken by South African breeders in the early days of their 
industry, with the Boer goat of that country. 

In addition to the great benefits that will result to our 
country from mohair, as a textile product, it will add to our 
supply of meat producing animals, which will have a tendency 
to keep the price of this product within reach of many of our 
poorer classes, who are being taxed severely now, owing to the 
scarcity of beef. 

It is to be hoped that Congress will take a liberal view of 
this subject, and give such encouragement to the producers 
of mohair as the industry is worthy of. 

TARIFF ON LIVE GOATS. 

In connection with this subject, it would probably be well 
for Congress to remove the present import duty on the common 
Mexican doe goat, when imported for the purpose of crossing 
with the Angora. 

Our present supply of Mexican goats is limited, and the 
value of them will naturally be greatly enhanced under active 
competition from farmers, who will, doubtless, be attracted to 
this new industry, which will result in benefit to very few, while 
the removal of the duty, altogether, will benefit a great many, 
and will greatly facilitate the development of our mohair-growing 
industry. 

'"'All other live animals not specially provided for in this act, twenty 
per cent, advalorem." 



i66 A Nnv Industry. 

The present tariff prevents the importation of these animals 
except upon the payment of a duty of twenty per cent, adva- 
lorem, under the following clause in Schedule G : 

It is true this is not a high duty to pay, yet it will encourage 
the importation of many of the Mexican does if it is removed 
altogether, and will lay the foundation for a much more profit- 
able and useful animal. It can in no way conflict with the inter- 
est of any of the producers of goats in the United States ; but, 
on the contrary, will create a demand for thoroughbred, or 
full-blooded Angora sires which will be required for grading up 
these common goats, and this will result in much benefit to a 
large number of the present breeders of the Angora goat who are 
now members of the industry. 

TARtFF ON GOAT SKINS. 

The present tariff on Angora goat skins is as follows : 

"The duty on wools on the skin shall be one cent less per pound 
tlian is imposed in this schedule on other wools of the same class, and 
condition, the quantity, and value, to be ascertained under such 
rules as the Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe." (See Schedule K, 
Clause No. 360, Tarifif law 1897.) 

The above action was, doubtless, intended to protect the 
raisers of Angora goats from the importation of mohair, on the 
skin, by manufacturers, which was very proper. But, there 
is another trade into which the skin of this animal enters very 
largely, which is of vastly more importance than that of the 
manufacttire of mohair. 

I refer to the making of carriage robes, buggy robes, floor 
rugs, overcoats for men, etc. 

This trade does not give employment to very many of our 
people at present, which I shall endeavor to explain later on, 
but it can be made to do so, for the magnitude of the business 
is simply immense, and may be surmised when I say there is 
hardly a house furnishing, or saddlery store, in the United States, 
that does not handle more or less of these goods. 

The Angora skin is, perhaps, more suitable for making this 
class of stock than any other kind, but the supply of them is 



Tariff on Mohair, Live Goats, and Angora Skins. i6j 

not large enough to meet the demand, and they are more expen- 
sive than some other varieties of long-haired goats raised in 
China, India, Persia, and other portions of Asia, consequently 
these are used as a substitute. These have a coarse, outer-hair, 
with an under-down, or fur, which is fully described in the 
paper I have added concerning the Cashmere goat (see Ap- 
pendix), and cannot, therefore, be classed as mohair skins, which 
admits of their being brought into this country at a very low rate 
of duty.. 

Indeed, they are permitted to come in free, if they are im- 
ported in a raw state, which is provided for in the tariff, as 
follows : 

"* * * Skins, of all kinds, raw (except sheep skins with the wool 
on) free. * * *" (See Free Ust Clause No. 664, Tariff Law, 1897.) 

But the labor of dressing them in the United States is so 
much more expensive than in Asia that they are always im- 
ported in a finished condition, ready to be made into robes, 
rugs, and garments, as soon as they are received. 

The tariff does not seem to have provided specifically for 
"goat skins, dressed, with the hair on." but, under the schedule 
referring to "leather, and manufactures of it," says : 

"* * •;: dressed kangaroo, sheep and goat skins * * * "20 per cent, 
ad valorem. * * *" (See Schedule N, Clause No. 438, Tariff Law 
of 1897.) 

Which appears to be the only clause that these dressed 
Asiatic goat skins can be classed under. 

When we consider the low^ price at which such skins are 
sold (for they are not desirable for making into leather), and 
the very low scale of labor that is paid in China for dressing 
them, the duty of twenty per cent, ad valorem will not exceed 
more than five cents per skin, which practically amounts to 
nothing to the American importer. 

If, for no other reason than to protect American laboi, 
the tariff on these goat skins should be revised. 

But, I m.aintain that, the American producers of Angora 
goats are made to suffer serious loss by permitting this inferior 



i68 A Nczv Industry. 

class of stock to be sold in competition with their own product, 
which is often represented as being one and the same, and very 
many people do not know any thing to the contrary. 

I was attracted not long ago by the advertisement of a 
large department store in Chicago, who claimed to have "real 
Angora goat skin rugs" for sale, and being interested in the 
business I called upon them and was shown a "white Chinese 
goat rug," for which they asked $-±.00. 

I remarked to the clerk that I wanted an Angora goat rug, 
when he frankly said they did not have any, and added : "A real 
Angora rug, like this one, would cost you $8.00." 

The following is the style used in advertising these "Chinese 
goat" rugs : 

"China goat rug's, made in designs iis shown in cuts A and B. The 
combination of colors are black and white; black and gray; white and 
gray; or red fox and white. These rugs are lined and odorless, and 
handsome enough for any room. We also have the same rug plain, or 
solid colors, white, black or gray." (See Montgomery & Ward's cata- 
logue, Chicago, III.) 

It seems to me, it is an outrage upon American labor and 
enterprise to permit this tariff to remain as it is. The American 
furrier is entitled to the labor of dressing these skins, and the 
American grower of Angora goats is entitled to the sale of the 
raw skin. They are both entitled to protection from such unfair 
competition ; and, while it is c^uite true the grower's are not able, 
at the present time, to supply the demand that exists for such 
a product, they very soon can be ; but, as long as the tariff 
will admit of the Chinese product being imported at such a 
ridicuously low duty, as above stated, the American product will 
naturally be depreciated in value. 

But, another view to take of this matter is, who are the 
beneficiaries under existing conditions ? 

The entire trade, I understand, is monopolized by a single 
concern, or syndicate, in New York City, who guard it with 
such a jealous care as to keep out all competition. If any one 
dares to engage in it (which has been done on several occasions) 
they immediately reduce their price list to a point that will 
force the daring adventurer to sell his importation at a loss, and 



Tariff on Mohair, Live Goats, and Angora Skins. i6p 

the result is that, this single concern have managed to enjoy ah 
the benefits from a trade that should be national in character. 

The present duty of tzvcnty per cent, advaloreni, as I have 
endeavored to explain, amounts, practically, to nothing. It 
should be made specific, and placed at such a point as will 
equalize the cost of dressing a goat skin in the United States, 
with the cost of dressing one in China; and, while the raw 
skin of the Chinese, or Asiatic, goat is not the equal of the 
Angora, they belong to the same species, and should be classed 
as the same, when they are used for the same purpose, viz : 
that of making robes, rugs and garments. 

It would seem, therefore, if the tariff was so revised as to 
compel these importers to pay aduty, equal with the present duty 
paid by the manufacturer, who may import the skin for the 
purpose of cutting off the mohair to use in manufacturing, it 
would be more just, and reasonable, to all concerned. 

On this hypothesis, the duty would be, assuming the skin 
will shea: four pounds of mohair : 

Duty of 12 cents per pound, on four pounds mohair. . . .$ .48 
Difference in labor, of dressing a goat skin in this country, 

with that paid in China, say 52 



Or, a total, on each skin of $1.00 

This would afford a fair degree of protection, both to the 
American laborer, and producer, and would not injure the con- 
sumer, inasmuch as the importers of these Chinese, or Asiatic, 
goat skins, demand a price equivalent to American labor for 
dressing, and producing the skin in the United States, as soon 
they pass through our custom house. 



PLATE XXXIX. 




PORTABLE CAMPING OUTFIT. 
Made of plank; a substitute for the tent, when flocks are moved to different ranges. 



Practical Parts 

of the 

Industry. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE SCIENCE OF BREEDING, OUR PAST EXPERIENCE, AND 
THE RESULT OF CROSSING THE COMMON GOAT WITH 
THE ANGORA. 

The science of breeding any of cur domestic animals is, 
simply, knozviiig how to mate them, in order to obtain such a type 
as the breeder is wanting- to produce, and this knowledge can 
only be acquired through a series of experiments coupled with 
the very closest observation. 

During the past hunderd years, certain well defined prin- 
ciples in mating have been established that have assisted the 
breeders of the horse, cow, and sheep, in bringing these animals 
up to a very high degree of perfection. The principle of "like 
begets like," for instance, teaches a breeder that, by the selec- 
tion of animals of any particular size, form or color, it is pos- 
sible, in the course of time, to create a distinct type, or breed, 
very diiiferent from the original. Upon one occasion, in refer- 
ring to the wonderful change that had been made in the sheep 
of Great Britian. Lord Sommerville is said to have remarked 
that: 

"The modern sheep breeder appears to have drawn a perfect form, 
and then to have given it life." 

The same might be said, in speaking of the horse, the cow 
and the hog, for there has been a great variety of breeds in all 
these animals, practically created by man in the past century, 
and in fowls and vegetables, the changes have been no less 
surprising. 

There is, perhaps, no animal so susceptible of being im- 
proved as otir common short-haired goat ; but, this principle, or 
law of, "like begets like," does not seem to operate the same 



174 ■ A Nezv Industry 

with it, as with other wool, or hair producing animals. Fo; 
example : the mating of a long, coarse-wooled ram -.-. ith a shorty 
fine-wooled ewe sheep, will result in producing a medium wool, 
both as to length and fineness of fibre ; while the mating of a 
long, coarse-wooled buck, with a short-haired common doe, 
goat will produce a kid having a thin covering oi short, but 
pure, iiioliair, together with more or less of the coarse, short 
hair of the mother. In other words, the two kinds of hair will 
not mix with each other, as is the case with the sheep. And, 
very strange to say, it does not appear to make any difference 
Iiow coarse, or how long, the hair of the mohair goat may be, 
the cross will always have the same thin covering of pure mohair, 
of a short, uniform length, and much finer in fibre, than that of 
the sire. 

The only explanation I can advance for this strange con- 
dition of things, is that, the tlesh and blood (the soil, and fertil- 
izing elements, of the fleece) of the mohair goat are of an 
entirely different character from that in the common goat ; and, 
the production of this thin covering of pure mohair is an indi- 
cation that only a certain amount of the mohair-producing 
])lood has been implanted by the one cross ; for, it seems to 
be increased by a second cross, and the fourth, and fifth, 
crosses, will make the two animals of the same nature, at least 
as far as outward appearance shows. 

The experiment has never been made, that I know of, but 
I am well convinced that if a mohair goat, producing a coarse 
hair, should be mated with a mohair goat of equal purity, pro- 
ducing a fine hair, the issue will have hair the medium of the two ; 
and, the length of hair, I am sure, can be gradually increased 
in the same way, by crossing a long-haired buck with a short- 
haired doc, the same as with sheep. 

But, as liefore stated, the only way we can ever hope to 
arrive at anything like scientific knowledge in breeding the 
Angora goat, is by experiment and observation. If breeders 
will exercise the same degree of interest, and intelligence, as 
their predecessors in the sheep industry have done in improv- 
ing that animal, there is no doubt we can make some wonderful 









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Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. I'jj 

changes in the Angora goat in a comparatively short time ; and, 
perhaps, if we were to investigate closely into the experience 
of those who have handled the animal during the past fifty 
years, we may be able to obtain a great deal of valuable informa- 
tion from their work. 

In 1853, Dr. J. B. Davis reported his first experiment with 
those he imported from Asia in 1849. He says : 

"On my arrival, I immediately procured a number of our little dimin- 
utive native female goats, and crossed them upon a Cashmere buck. Their 
progeny had very fine hair, but little longer than that of the does. I 
again crossed the female of this progeny upon the other Cashmere buck, 
and it is difficult to distinguish these from the pure-breed, and the sub- 
sequent cross cannot be detected. In the spring I contemplate effecting 
still another cross." (See Agtl. Dept. Report for 1853, p. 20.) 

And, in a letter to Dr. J. L. Hayes, Col. Richard Peters 

says : 

"One of the most^ valuable, interesting and remarkable traits of the 
Angora is che rapidity with which fleece-bearing goats can be obtained 
by using thoroughbred bucks to cross on the common short-haired ewe 
goats of the country. The second cross produces a goat with a skin val- 
ued for rugs, mats and gloves. The fifth cross (known by many breeders 
as "full blood") will yield a fleece not inferior to much of the mohair 
imported from Asia Minor. The fifth cross can be readily obtained in 
five or six years. Thoroughbred bucks should always be used, because 
the progeny of the so-called "full-blood" bucks varies greatly, and the 
upward progress is by no means satisfactory." (See Hayes, p. 51.) 

All the early breeders in Texas, California, and Oregon, 
have met with the same uniform success except where the sire 
used was a graded animal, called "full hlood,'' as Col. Peters 
remarks. 

As may well be supposed the breeding of the Angora to the 
short-haired goat, has produced a very different class of animal 
from the original ; and, as the same custom has prevailed in 
Turkey and South Africa, it is very doubtful if there are any of 
the original type in existence, at the present time, in the 
world. 

Mr. H. O. Binns, a resident of Turkey, addressed a very 
interesting letter to Mr. Schreiner on this subject, relating to the 
crossing in that countrv, in which he savs : 



iy8 A Nczv Imhistry. 

"I cannot say when crossing began to be general. When I went to 
the Angora distrcts in LSGt, it was in uill swing, and must have been 
commonl}' practiced for some years, as ihcre were even then many more 
cross-bred goats than pure-bred. The fact that these cross-bred goats 
were in large numbers and yielded excellent hair shows that crossing had 
been generally resorted to a good many years back. Even at that timC; 
the original pure Angor? was becoming very rare. Today, he is probably 
extinct, or almost so. The districts outside the mohair-producing region 
were thronged with the "Kurd" goat. Angoras were introduced amongst 
the various flocks of these goats, which in due course were all graded up, 
and yielded white mohc'.ir. From inquu-ies made, I concluded that the 
Angoras were first generally crossed with the common goat when a large 
European demand for mohair sprang up, after unmanufactured mohair 
was allowed to be exported, and lustre goods became fashionable. The 
result is seen in the Angora of today, which is a product of the cross. 
The greatest endeavors to increase the numbers of Angoras and to pro- 
duce them in other parts of the country, l,«y means of grading up the com- 
mon goats, were made from about li^liS to ISTli, when, not only the other 
di.strictj, where the Angora had never been before, were induced to buy 
rams to cross with the common ewes, but so eager were the farmers, in 
Angora itself, to incresase the number of their mohair goats, that com- 
mon ewes were actually imported into that, and neighboring disricts, and 
graded up there by means of pure rams. No wonder goats became mixed, 
and the pure goat eliminated, replaced by his heavier-fleeced, more prolific, 
more remunerative cross. These endeavors v/ere due to the great demar.a ior 
mohair during these years, for the price jier pound was never lower than 
2s. 9d. (G8 cents) except for a short time in 18(j8, when it touched 2s. 3d. 
(56 cents) and was generally, at from 3s. 3d. (81 cents) to 3s. 9d. (93 
cents). Thus there was a large increase, not only in the numbers of white 
mohair goats, but also in the area over which they were distributed. The 
common goat was then first graded tip in such districts as Eskischehr, 
in Broussa, Soungourlou, in Yozgat, Devriken, and Tosia, in Kastamouni, 
and sundry other districts. So general has been the crossing that not 
only is the original pure Angora extinct, or almost so, in Asia Minor, 
today, but even in Beibazar, one of the very purest districts, hardly a 
ilock is to be found which does not contain one or more gray, black 
or white common ewes, and their various crosses.. Such common goats 
and the various grades between them and the modern Angora, are much 
more common in less central, less pure districts. Throughout the whole 
of the mohair districts, any ewe (or ram) which has originally come from 
a cross (and almost all have now) is liable to have colored, kemped kids, 
red, blue, black, or other colors; and in almost every flock in Beibazar, 
as well as in other districts, colored kids, the progeny of white sires and 
dams are to be found." (See Schreiner, pp. 83, 84 and 85.) 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora, //p 

The ''Kurd'* goat is described as a coarse, straight-haired 
animal, usually black, brown, red, or blue, in color, and much 
larger and heavier-boned than the Angora. 

Crossing in South Africa was carried on \ery much in the 
same way \dth the common goat of that country (the ■'■Boer'''j, 
which is represented by Mr. Schreiner as follows : 

"The "Boer goat of todaj- strikes one as an animal peculiarly South 
African, as it browses on the arid kopjes of the Great Karoo. It is a large 
animal with powerful legs, a grand carriage, a bold, free step, and wild, 
prominent eyes. The coat is short, smooth and coarse, of almost any 
color or combination of colors, frequently b ing dappled. It is extremely 
hardy, fattens readily, and carries a large amount of flesh, which, however, 
is pungent and strong, and unpalatable to a refined taste. Btit, in up- 
country districts, in desert-like parts of the ICaroo, they are the most 
valuable, for there thej' are often the onh' kind of stock fit for slaughter, 
as they keep fat when other stock are thin or die. In the early days 
the 'Boer goat and the Afrikander sheep were the only small stock posses- 
sed by the colonists, and this goat was justly held in high estimation b5' 
the old pioneers, for it increases with great rapiditj' (triplets at a birth be- 
ing by no means ir frequent) and its skin makes ver)- superior leath- 
er, as is evidenced by the constant demand in the tanneries of the Colony 
today." See Schreiner, page 172. 

And Mr. Schreiner adds: 

"Such are the "Boer goats which have supplied the mothers of nearly 
all the Cape Angoras. The seri'ice thej' have rendered to the Angora 
industr>- of South Africa, is almost incalculable. But for the fact that 
there were several millions of 'Boer goats, thoroughly accustomed to 
the country, to famish innumerable ewes for grading-up purpos s, the 
industr>- would still have been in its Inizacv. As it is, instead of increas- 
ing OUT Angoras solely by breeding from a few imported animals, we 
have been able, w'ithin a few- years, to grade up some millions from the 
good otd *Boer goat mother stock, whose progeny, already oatmimber- 
ing the mohair goats of Turkey, and nearly as well, bred, now yield more 
hair than Turke3> oi a qualitj-, on the whole, nearly eqtial to Turkisii, 
and in many instances quite equal to the verj- best that Turkey can pro- 
duce." See Schreiner, pages 174 and 175, 

Hence, it would seem that the Angora goats of the present 
me. in the onl}' three countries where they are being propa- 
gated to any extent, consist of a cross-bred animal, as follows : 
In Turkey, with the black, red, or blue, "Kurd" goat. 



i8o A Nnv Industry. 

In South Africa, with the short-haired, mixed-colored 
■'Boer" goat. 

In the United States, with the short-haired, mixed in color, 
"Alexican" goat. 

It is quite true that, the progeny, from all the above crosses, 
presents the same general characteristic as far as relates to 
the producing of mohair ; but, to a close observer, it is evident 
there is great difference in the length, and fineness, of the 
fibre, some of it growing twelve to fifteen inches, while others 
only reach the length of six to eight inches ; some of it is very 
coarse in fibre, and others very fine ; some have wavy hair, while 
in others it hangs in beautiful ringlets. 

The same relative difference exists in our sheep family 
with reference to wool, and it would be very surprising if such 
was not the case with mohair, for, with the indiscriminate cross- 
ing that has been going on for the past forty or fifty years, it 
would be a most remarkable phenomenon if the Angora goat 
had retained its original purity. 

As far as I have been able to learn, there has never been 
any endeavor to improve the animal beyond that of raising 
the greatest possible amount of fleece. The size and form of 
carcass appears to have had little or no influence with breeders ; 
and, as long as the one feature, mohair, was not lacking in 
quantity, any goat was considered proper to breed. 

FVom the illustrations in Mr. Schreiner's book on the 
South African industry, it is quite evident a very great difference 
exists, even in the selected animals that he has used to repre- 
sent the type of the South African Angora. 

The C. G. Lee goat, for instance, on page 119, with its 
straight back, and imiform growth of fleece, is as different from 
the one bred by Mr. R. Featherstone (page 105), as the differ- 
ence is between two types of Merino sheep. Both are very super- 
ior animals no doubt, yet, after reading a description of the C. G. 
Lee animal, it is quite clear they belong to very different species, 
and should not be classed together. And, on page 145, are two 
very handsome young Angora bucks, bred by John Rex, and the 
late J. B. Evans, which show very different points. One has 



Breeding — PastExperieiiec — Result of Crossing the Angora. i8i 

a very full tuft of mohair on the forehead, while the other is 
perfectly bare on the forehead. 

Referring to the Lee goat, Mr. Schreiner says: "Mr. C. G. Lee 
certainly possesses some of the purest, finest, and most remunerative goats 
in South Africa. He recently wrote to the 'Eastern Proiince Herald,' re- 
marking upon the undergrowtli in his goats, adding that it is the finest, and 
most valuable part of the fleece, being used by manufacturers in the place 
of silk." See S:hreiner, page lOL 

Writing about the difference in the Angora goat of Turkey, 
Mr. Diehl, in his report to the Agricultural Department in 

1863, says : 

■'There is also a second, or other, variety of Angora, or shawl wool, 
goat besides those generally described. This goat has an unchanging 
outer cover of long, coarse hair, between the roots of which comes in 
winter an undercoat of downy wool that is naturally thrown off in spring, 
or is carefully combed out for use. A remarkably fine species of this breed 
exists throughout the area to which the white-haired goat is limited, and 
similar br eds prevail all over the highlands of Turkish, and Persian 
Armenia, Koordistan, and at Kirman; and, although some flocks yield 
finer fleeces than others, it is called the same wool, or underdown, as the 
wool of Cashmere and Thibet, and samples of the wool of the Thibetian, 
and the double-wooled goat of the banks of the Euxine show them to 
be but varieties of the same species. 

"This goat is of a larger size than those of the more southern Tur- 
kish provinces, and its wool finer, and is probably the variety introduced 
by Dr. Davis from Asia Minor as the 'Cashmere,' and now erroneously 
so-called throughout the country, as all the importations to this country, 
as far as we can learn, were shipped from ports on the Mediterranean, 
or Constantinople, several thousand miles from Cashmere, or Thibet, 
through inhospitable and almost untravelled countries for Europeans, 
which goes far to prove the so-called 'Cashmere' goat to be the 'Angora.'" 
See Agtl. Dept. Report for 1863, page 223. 

(If we are to understand from '^unchanging outer-cover of 
hair," mentioned above by IMr. Diehl, that it does not shed in 
the spring, it may explain, to a certain extent, the existence of a 
''non-shedding type" of mohair goats which I intend to refer to 
later on.) 

Mr. H. O. Binns states there are no less than thirty (Mr. 
Diehl says there are forty) different kinds of mohair produced in 
Turkey, but attributes it to diversitv of climate. He says : 



i8j a Nvzu Industry. 

"With such a wide diversity of cHmate, it cannot be expected that 
the mohair from the whole area will be of one uniform kind. In fact, 
about thirty different kinds are produced from as many different localities. 
These localities I shall call 'goat districts.' The following table gives a 
list of these different goat districts. Each name is that of a locality which 
produces its own peculiar kind of mohair. It may be taken as a prac- 
tically complete list of the principal goat districts. After each name 
there is indicated in brackets, whether it is a kaza, which gives its name t-o 
the goat district, or a town, a village, or merely a place where a weekly 
bazaar is held. The distances between many of the Jocalities are given, 
as well as the distance of each from the town of Angora. These distances 
are only approximate, but are accurate enough for the purpose to which 
they are applied. Turkish roads are reckoned by hours, as at the Cape, 
and the Turkish 'hour' is supposed to be three miles (at the Cape it is 
six.) This has been taken as the basis of computation in reckoning the 
various distances. 

"It is at once apparent from this list that, as has already been said, the 
mohair area is practically comprised in the two provinces of Angora and 
Kastamouni; and, one is immediately struck by the fact, how short are the 
distances that separate many of the different goat districts from one 
another. 

"In some of these goat districts there are district markets, where each 
of the leading mohair merchants has his agent: there are, Eskischehr, 
Sivrihissar, Beibazar, Ayash, Nallikhan, Geredeh, Cherkesh, Changura, 
Koniah, Sivas (and Van) ; Angora and Kastamboul being, of course, 
the two great markets. But every goat district mentioned in the above 
list is characterized by its own particular variety of mohair; the hair 
grown in each, has some special characteristic which enables an expert at 
once to distinguish it from all others. 

"This seems strange, considering the short distances that tht var- 
ious centres are from one another; but there can be no doubt of its cor- 
rectness, for all authorities are agreed upon it. For instance, Mr. Gavin 
Gatheral, in his paper, read before the Royal Colonial Institute in 1878, 
says that the mohair area (he makes it somewhat smaller than Mr. Binns) 
produces more than twenty varieties of hair, each of which is easily recog- 
nized by experts. Mr. Binns is very clear upon the point. He says that 
each district impresses some local peculiarity upon the hair grown in it. 
He adds: 'Goats in Turkey are constantly being sold round in small lots, 
so that an intermixture continually goes on. Nevertheless, though out 
of each of many parcels of mohair from every district in Turkey I could 
pick out many places which would so much resemble each other as^ to defy 
the best expert to tell which was which; yet, were lots of a few bales of 
the average mohair of each district placed in a row, and cut open at 
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184 A Nnv Industry. 

which. And we who have lived some years in the town of Angora, could 
tell whether a small lot came from Hymane, Elma-Dagh, Stamos, etc., 
though in some cases but a mile or two might separate the villages. But 
this, of course, the Constantinople merchants could not do. 

"Again, regarding varieties of mohair (and necessarily of goats) he 
says: 'One cannot say they are exactly so many types, definitely fixng 
:he number, for there are endless subdivisions; but, a connoisseur in 
mohair can tell you, from the bulk of the bales, when opened, from 
which particular district it has come, provided it has been sent separately 
from the purchasing centre town of the same name. Each district dis- 
plays a general type of its own, yet, in each, or most of them, there are 
again other subdivisions from the class, or type, of which a local agent can 
always tell, in a moment, where the mohair originally came from. 

"Again, each district has its own peculiarities in class of mohair suf- 
ficient to enable a mohair expert to tell at a glance from which district, 
or village, a parcel had come. But there is sometimes a difficulty on the 
Constantmople market in identifying a lot of hair with any particular 
district, for the hair obtains its name from the town from which it was 
sent to Constantinople, irrespective of where it was grown or purchased. 
Thus, the clips get mixed, many different kinds being ranked under one 
name, for the travelling agents go from village to village making their pur- 
chases and then lump the different clips together, and take the hair to the 
best market, under whose name all that lot of hair is henceforth known. 
Thus, if the Angora local market be higher than the Kastamboul market, the 
hair grown in the kazas, in the UIgaz — Dagh mountains, goes there, 
and vice versa; and thus, a part of the same clip might one year be known 
as Kastamboul hair, and the next as Angora hair. It seems, therefore, 
clear that the only reliable testimony as to where the hair really is grown 
and comes from in the first instance, is that of the local merchants and 
buyers in the towns of Angora, and Kastamboul." See Schreiner, pp. 
110-114. 

This is certainly at variance with all authorities upon the 
subject of climatic influence on animals that I have ever read, 
and has been clearly disproved by the experience we have 
had with the Angora goat in the United States, which has been 
reared in nearly every State in the Union, in lowlands and high- 
lands, in hot climates and cold climates, and there has been no 
perceptible change in the character of the fleece (except, per- 
haps, that some has a much smoother feel and more lustre than 
others), and I am inchned to attribute this great difference in 
the quahty of mohair in Turkey, mentioned by Mr. Binns, 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. i8^ 

rather to the course of breeding" that has been followed, than 
to the influence of the climate. It is well known that the color 
of soil has a tendency to stain the fleece of an animal like a 
sheep or goat. It is quite possible indeed, for any one familiar 
with the different sections in Texas, to determine where certain 
wool was raised, by its color, or the dirt in it. I know, too. 
it is claimed, that the West Indies, or any tropical climate, has 
a tendency to change the character of wool to that of hair, but 
I am not prepared to believe this until I see it. 

There has never been any scientific effort to produce wool 
in any of our tropical climates, and, because the sheep that art 
raised in Mexico have a coarse, hairy fibre, is no evidence that 
the heat of that country is the cause. The Mexican is known 
to be a very careless breeder, generally permitting his stock- 
to interbreed at will, and it is not unlikely, a large amount of this 
supposed climatic influence is chargeable to a want of system.. 
It seems to me if climate had any material influence upon the 
hair of an animal, it would have a similiar influence upon the hair 
of a human being, and, we all know, this is not the case, as for 
example, the African, and Asiatic, races, who continue to 
produce the same kind of hair the world over. 

The Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume I, page 84, says: 

"Animals, especially the higher forms, are much less sensitive to 
change of temperature, as shown by the extensive ranges from north to 
south of many species. Thus the tiger ranges from the equator to north- 
ern Asia, as far as the river Amour, and to the isothermal of 32 degrees 
Fahrenheit. Wolves and foxes are found alike in the coldest and hottest 
parts of the earth." 

There is no doubt that a cold climate has a tendency to 
increase the quantity of wool that an animal produces, especially 
the sheep ; and, the experience we have had with the Angora 
goat in the United States shows that it has the same influence 
on this animal. A warm climate, too, has a tendency to reduce 
the quantity of wool, or hair, btit the quality is always the same 
in both climates ; at least, such has been my observation with 
these animals in the United States. 



i86 A New Industry. 

Food, in my opinion, has had more to do in shaping the 
outcome of an animal, than chmate has ever done. Not many 
years ago, it was beheved to be impossible to breed any of the 
improved kinds of cattle in Texas, but the experience of the 
past few years has demonstrated that they can, not only be pro- 
duced as well, l)ut can be fattened, to as high a degree, as in any 
of the colder States. This impression doubtless originated 
through the many failures of ranchmen who turned thorough- 
bred stock on the open range to hustle for their living with 
native stock. The result was, very naturally, disappointing; but, 
as soon as proper care was taken to get the animals accustomed 
to the change of food, they thrived quite as well as any of the 
natives did, and, in some instances, much better. 

It is a well known fact that some cattle raised in Texas 
have been made to develop into larger animals by transferring 
them to the range of Montana, and other Northern Territories. 
This is, doubtless, explained by the more nourishing kind of 
grass the animals received in the Northern Territories and not 
by the change in climate. The best evidence of this is, that if 
a horse is kept up in the North, and another in the extreme 
South, fed and cared for in the same identical way, they will 
both present the same general appearance. 

If climate has the effect to increase the size of an animal, 
why is it that in many parts of the South may be found larger 
men and women than in some parts of the North ? 

It is, in my opinion, the blood that makes both man and 
l)east ; and, if proper food is provided, the development of the 
frame will be governed entirely by the class of blood the animal 
has. 

Water, I think, has more or less to do in the matter of 
development of both man and beast, and, when we reflect upon 
the wonderful medicinal qualities that water possesses, it is not 
at all unlikely that many of the failures in raising the higher 
grades of live stock in the South is due to impure water, as well 
as a poor class of food. 

In parts of Virginia, and Tennessee, native-born children 
grow to be larger, and heavier-boned, men, and women, in one 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. i8y 

County over those raised in the adjoining County, which is sup- 
posed to be caused by difference in water. Limestone existing" 
in one, and freestone in the other. 

That a very different kind of a goat from the original has 
resulted from these several crossings there can be no doubt. 
In referring to this subject, Mr. Schreiner, quoting from Mr. 
Henry O. Binns, describes the 

"Original pure Angora ram, in his prime, as about the size of a five 
months' old Cape kid, with small thin horns, wooled all over the body, 
the hair almost covering the eyes, exceedingly delicate, and so subject to 
disease that no one cared to keep him. What is today called the pure- 
bred Angora is like the English thoroughbred horse, the result of cross- 
ing and re-crossing, until body, class, points, etc., have attained to what 
is generally considered that the thoroughbred Angora ought to be. This 
pretty little animal did well to give 2i4 pounds of hair." See Schreiner 
page 55. 

And, referring to the effects of the crossing, Mr. Schreiner 
admits 

"There is at tmes some considerable variation in the shape of horns. 
* * The ears, though the lop ears predominate there is much difference 
in their droop; and, in their size, 'mouse ears' being by no means infre- 
quent; * * and such defects of covering, style of locks, etc., are evident- 
ly, in the main, due to the Angora having been crossed with the common 
goat, and to a less extent (at any rate in Asia Minor) with other varieties. 
Another different effect of crossing may be mentioned as of great impor- 
tance, which is that the modern Angora often has two kids at a birth." 
See Schreiner, pages 103 and 104. 

It is Mr. Schreiner's opinion, too, that, 

"This breed which is not yet quite fixed, but is gradually tending to 
become so, is a larger, somewhat coarser, hardier breed, with an oilier 
and much heavier fleece, which, though, not attaining to the high level of 
that of the original pure Angora, is nevertheless, in the best specimens, 
of great beauty and excellence, and equal to the most exacting demands 
of the purest mohair manufacturing trade. * * The ideal goat in 
Turkey, today, has a leady-white tint of fleece, while, in the Cape, the 
tendency is towards strazv color." See Schreiner, page 106. 

CASHMERE, OR ANGORA. 

In connection with the breeding of the Angora goat in the 
United States, it may be proper to state, that at least a portion 



18S A Nezv Industry. 

of the goats that Dr. Davis imported in 1849, were of the Thibet, 
and Cashmere, breed, for he says, in his letter to the Agricultural 
Department in 1853 : 

"I will now introduce the Thibet shawl goat, belonging to the cold- 
est regions. I accidentally came into possession of a pair of these 
anirtials, but lost the male. I have a considerable increase from the fe- 
male, bred with a 'Cashmere buck.' The 'Thibet'* goat has, under a long 
coarse hair, a coat of beautiful white wool, which when combed, makes 
about a pound to the fleece. I had these specimens with me at the Zoo- 
logical Gardens in London, and, in comparing them with a stuffed spec- 
men of a Rocky Mountain goat, I could not discern the slightest differ- 
ence, nor do I yet see any change of the first cross of the 'Cashmere' 
buck upon my 'Thibet' doe, but in the third cross upon the 'Cashmere' we 
may expect a valuable experiment by changing the fine under wool or 
down, into a conjoint and uniform covering of wool.' See Agtl. Dept. 
Report for 1853, page 21. 

Bearing on this matter, the following letter from Col. Zim- 
merman Davis, Secretary and Treasurer of the Charleston Water 
Works, and a nephew of Dr. Davis, wih be interesting. 

Charleston, S. C, Sept. 8th, 1899. 
Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

Dear Sir — I am in receipt of your favor of the 1st inst. in regard to 
the 'Cashmere' and 'Angora' goats imported by my uncle, Dr. James B. 
Davis, in 1849. 

"I was a lad, fifteen years old, when my uncle and his family return- 
ed from Turkey, with the animals he imported. He staid for some time 
at my father's house here in Charleston, and the animals were kept in the 
yard. They were a small llock of 'Cashmere' goats, one large 'Thibet' 
and a Maltese Jack. 

"The 'Thibet' goat had two qualities of hair, the coarser quality being 
the longest, the finer quality being under, and next to the skin. I remem- 
ber that my aunt and her daughter would separate the two qualities by 
hand, so as to get a higher price for the fleece. I never heard the 'Cash- 
mere' called 'Angora' by him. 

"After a residence for some time in Charleston and vicinity, Dr. 
Davis moved to the vicinity of Columbia, S. C. and after some years he 
moved back to his origina:! home in Monticello, in Fairfield county, where 
he died about the beginning of the Civil war. I remember that he, several 
times sold a trio (a buck and two ewes) for $1500.00. He was also the 
first to cross the 'Cashmere' upon the native goat in order to make them 

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Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. 191 

hardy and acclimated, and, I think that he considered the 'seven-eighths 
Cashmere' as good and hardier than the full blood. He sold out his en- 
tire stock to Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta, Ga., previous to his death. 

Yours very truly, 

■ZIMMERMAN DAVIS. 

Dr. J. L. Hayes (18G8) gives the experience of Col. Robt. 
W. Scott, of Frankfort, Ky., who was celebrated as a scientific 
breeder, and the creator of what is known as the ''improved Ken- 
tucky sheep," who describes the animals he had "as having tzvo 
coats of hair-f but, of a very dififerent kind from the sort Col. 
Davis describes ; and, as his goats came from the Davis impor- 
tation, it is quite evident that a change had taken place in the 
character of the fleece they produced since he had been breed- 
ing them. 

The following report on the "Davis goats" (then owned b} 
Col. Richard Peters, of Georgia,) was made at the New York 
State Fair, held in New York City in 1854 : 

"The undersigned cannot avoid the conclusion, that in the goats im- 
ported, and whose descendants have been the subjects of this examination, 
we have the first known specimens of that valuable race of animals from 
whose hairy fleece the celebrated shawls are manufactured, known in com- 
merce by the inappropriate name of 'red camcVs hair.' As the fleece does 
not appear to have deteriorated in the comparatively warm climate of 
South Carolina, the distinctive character of the race is hard to be oblitera- 
ted, while in the northern region of the United States, this character can 
not well fail to be permanent. Viewed in this light, the introduction 
of this animal promises to be of more value to the agriculture of the Uni- 
ted S:atcs than that of almost any other domestic animal." See U. S. 
Agtl. Dept. 1863, page 228. 

JAMES REN WICK, 
JOSEl'H R, CHILTON, 
W. II ELLIOTT. 

Flere is an extract from a report of the special committc 
appointed by the "American Institue," at their exhibition in Nev; 
York City, in 1855: 

"They have examined with much interest the fleece subm'tted to them, 
and, as well from their own observations, as from the results of a micro- 
scopic examination made and certified to by several gentlemen of scien- 
tific eminence well known to them, are convinced that the fibre of these 



ip2 A Ne-cu ]iuiiisfry. 

fleeces is idcnlical in character, and I'nlly ecjual in value to tliat from 
which the highly prized Cashmere shawls arc made. The fleeces on exhi- 
bition, and now under examination, amount to from four to eight pounds 
each. The enterprise exhibited by the introduction of these animals into 
this country, and their propagation, cannot be tod highly regarded. 

First These animals are long lived, such being the case witli the 
whole goat race. 

Second. They are prolific, breeding at the age of one year, with a 
period of gestation of about five months and yielding twins almost uni- 
versally after the first birth. 

"Third. IMiey are hardy, experience having shown that they will 
thrive well in our climate from Georgia to New England, and that they 
require coarse ami cheap food, as the inferior grasses, briers, bushes, 
etc., such as is refused by other grazing animals. 

"Fourth. They produce a fleece of from four to eight pounds, val- 
ued at from $0.00 to $8.00 per pound in France or Paisley, Scotland, for 
tJie manufacture of those high-priced shawls. These fleeces can be pro- 
duced when the animals become numerous, at a less cost than the com- 
mon sheep's wool, and far superior to it. 

"Another fact of great practical value to our agricultural interests 
is the facility with which the Cashmere goats breed with the common 
goats of our country. From these, and other, considerations, of the cor- 
rectness of which your committe have entire confidence, it will be obvious 
that every encouragement should be shown this new enterprise — a bold, 
and iudici(_)us, movement." (See U. S. Agtl. Report, 18G3, p. 228.) 

B p. JOHNSON, 
CHARLES J. GOODRICIJ, 

JAMES J. MAPES. 

Wc add a few extracts from .some of the various and val- 
ual)!e ])til)!islied reports made upon this siil)ject, showing" the 
interest it has attracted frcjm time to time. 

The fohowing" report on Cashmere goats was made at the 
exhil_)iti()n (jf the Ihhted w^tates .Agricultural Society, lield at 
riiiladelphia, I'a.. in 18r)(), at which a si^eeial premium of $Jt)U.OO 
was awarded to Richard Peters, of Oeorgia: (From Diehl's 
paper on "The (loal.") 

"They have become known as 'Cashmere' goats from the pure white 
color, and fineness of their fleeces, and their undoubted Eastern origin. 
The fleeces from the matured bucks weigh from six to seven pounds, 
those from the ewes from three to four jjounds. The flesh of the crosses 





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Breeding — PastExperienec — Result of Crossing the Angora, ipj} 

is superior to most mutton, tender and delicious, making them a desir- 
able acquisition to our food-producing animals. The ease with which 
they are kept, living as they do on weeds, briers, browse, and other coarse 
herbage, fits them for many portions of our country where sheep cannot 
be sustained to advantage, while their ability and disposition to defend 
themselves against dogs, evidence a value peculiar to this race. They 
are free from all diseases to which sheep are liable, hardy and prolific, and 
experience has proven that they readily adapt themselves to all portions 
of the United States. The bucks breed readily with the common goats 
the second cross yielding a fleece of practical utility, whilst the fourth is 
but little inferior to that of the pure breed. A flock of valuable wool- 
bearing goats can be raised in a few years, by using grade bucks." See 
Agtl. Dcpt. Report 18G3, page 227. 

In 1856, by a resolution of the Southern Central Agricul- 
tural Association of Georgia, a committee was appointed to 
report on the goats now in the possession of Mr. Richard 
Peters, of Atlanta, (these were the same goats referred to by 
Dr. Davis in 1853, he having sold them to Col. Peters in 1854) 
and in compliance therewdth, presented through Dr. John Bach- 
man, the eminent naturalist, of Charleston, South Carolina, their 
Chairman, an elaborate report, from which the followang is an 
extract : 

"Familiar as we have been through a long life with the changes pro- 
duced by crosses among varieties of domestic animals and poultry, there 
is one trait in these goats which is more strongly developed than in any 
other variety that we have ever known. We allude to the wonderful facil- 
ity with which the young, of the cross betweeen the male of the Asiatic 
goat, and the female of the common goat, assumes all of the character- 
istics of the former. It is exceedingly difficult to change a breed that 
has become permanent in any of our domestic varieties, whether it be that 
of horses, cattle, sheep, or hogs, into another variety by the aid of the 
male of the latter. There is a tendency to run back into their original va- 
rieties; hence, the objection to mixed breeds. But in the progeny of these 
Asiatic, and common goats, nine-tenths of them exhibit the strongest 
tendency to adopt the characteristics of the male, and to elevate them- 
selves into the higher and nobler grade, as if ashamed of their coarse, 
dingy hair, and musky aromatics, and desirous of washing out the odor- 
ous perfume, and putting on the white liverv of a more respectable race. 
Mr. Peters has not bred any quarter-breeds. He made wethers of all his 
half-breed males, of 1856, and sold his three-quarter blood bucks. He 
now owns 150 half-blood females, seventy-five three-fourths blood 



ip6 A Nezu Industry. 

females, and six seven-eighths blood females. He has also four females 
three-quarters Asiatic and one-quarter Thibet shawl. There appears to 
be no improvement in this mixture with the Shawl goat, over that pro- 
duced by a union with the common goat; indeed, the product which we 
saw in Charleston from what was called the 'Cashmere,' and the Asiatic 
goat, was decidedly inferior. 

"The half-bloods, as we have staled, have an undercoat of fine, downy 
wool, closely resembling and equal in quality, and quantity, to the fleece 
of the 'Thibet Sha\yr goats imported into this country. The three-quarter 
breeds in mid-winter show an undercoat of greater quantity and length. 
In both grades this under-fur drops out in summer. The fifteen-six- 
teenths, or one-sixteenth common goat resembles the Asiatic goat in 
quantity and quality of fleece and size of carcass so closely that we found 
it impossible to distinguish them from the full-bloods. Another advant- 
age is likely to result from this admixture with the common goat: The 
half-blood females produce two kids at a birth, and the three-quarter 
blood females, generally, although not always, two. Thus the breed 
may be rendered more prolific. We here perceive in how short a period 
of time our whole race of now almost worthless goats may be converted 
into a breed valuable for its flesh and wool." (See Agtl. Dept. Report, 
J857, pp. 63-64.) 

It will be observed that Dr. Davis, as well as other author- 
ities referred to above, mention these goats as being of the 
'"Thibet," and "Cashmere,' breed, and for a number of years 
they were called "Cashmere" by every one interested, but it ap- 
pears that through the action of cross-breeding with our com- 
mon goat the fur underneath the hair disappeared to a great 
extent in a few years, and finally, disappeared altogether. 

It then became a question with many as to whether they were 
the "Cashmere" or the "Angora." Dr. Davis, unfortunely, died, 
or perhaps he could have explained the cause of the changed 
condition of his goats. At all events, the matter remained in 
doubt for a number of years during which a very considerable 
interest was taken to decide upon their breeding. In Dr. 
Bachman's report on them, he says : 

"This animal differs also from the 'Angora' goat to which it has a 
nearer approach, and from which this improved variety has probably 
descended. In the few specimens of the 'Angora' which we saw many 
years ago in Europe, and in the figures now extant of this variety, the 
ears, compared with those of the goats of Mr. Peters were smaller and 



Breeding — F'ast Experience— Resiilt of Crossing the Angora, ipy 

less pendulous; the tail much longer; the neck covered with a mane of 
almost straight hair, reaching the shoulders, and uniting with the beard 
under the chin; the body was larger and more goat-like, and had less 
the appearance of a sheep than the present variety. The fleece was 
equally white and glossy, but more than twice as coarse. By what local 
name this breed of goats, owned by Mr. Peters, is called in the East, 
remains for some future naturalist or traveler to determine. It will prob- 
ably be found among some of the varieties spoken of by Hodgson, and 
other travelers, who have given very imperfect descriptions of the varieties 
existing in the hilly regions of Nepal and Thibet, but who say of them: 
'One character they all have in common — pendent or semi-pendent ears, 
more or less prolonged, and in all the hair falls in long masses, sometimes 
twisted into spiral ringlets.' " 

We have adopted the usual rule among naturalists in designating 
animals by the common names under which they were sent, leaving it 
to time, and further observation to determine their true place in science. 
Hence, we have continued the name under which it was imported, which 
may have been 'Cashmere' in one of the languages of the East, as it is 
a general term, the name of the country which is known to possess several 
distinct varieties, both of the goat and sheep. At present, we can only 
designate them by the general term 'Asiatic goats,' or, to be more definite, 
as the 'Davis Cashmere goats,' from the individual who introduced them." 
See Agtl. Dept. Rept. 1857, p. 59. 

Col. Peters himself was long in doubt as to their real char- 
acter, for he says in a letter to the Agtl. Dept. in 1855 : 

"They differ materially from the 'Thibct-shawl' goats, and also from 
the 'Angora' goats, although they may prove to be of that variety, changed 
by climate, breeding and selection. They are, in ni}'- opinion, the true 
'Cashmere' goat, a variety never before introduced into Europe, nor 
America." See Agtl. Dept. Report 1855, page 54. 

But later he decided on their being the "Angora," and they 
have gone by that name ever since. Dr. Davis seems to have 
anticipated that there would be a decided change in the charac- 
ter of their fleece ; for, he stated most distinctly, in his letter 
to the Agtl. Dept. in 1853, above referred to: 

"In the third cross we may expect a valuable experiment by chang 
ing the fine underwool, or down, into a conjoint and uniform covering of 
wool." (See Agtl. Dept. Report 1853, page 21.) 

It should be borne in mind that, the goats of Dr. Davis, pro- 
duced one pound of under-hair, which is much more than the 



ig8 A Nczv Industry. 

"Cashmere" goat produces and would indicate that his animals, 
while possessing- the same characteristic as the "Cashmere," 
were of a different, and far superior, species, as the latter are only 
said to produce about hi'o ounces of undercoating'. (See Appen- 
dix on Cashmere goat.) The double coating, as above stated, 
disappeared entirely in a few years, and there has never been 
any evidence of such an animal in the United States since* that 
time, which gave rise to much doubt as to whether Dr. Davis' 
statements concerning the character of his goats were correct. 
In a newspaper interview, with Col. Richard Peters in At- 
lanta, Georgia, in 1876, that gentleman says : 

"Dr. Davis had fallen into error as to the native country of his 
goats, and believing them to be 'Casluncrc,' quoted their fleeces as being 
worth from six to eight dollars per pound while in reality they were \4n- 
goras' whose fleece, known to commerce as 'mohair,' has been an article 
of import into Great Britian, and this country, for years, and held at from 
sixty cents, to one dollar, per pound." 

Wishing to obtain the most authentic information upon this 
subject that was possible, I addressed a letter to Mrs. Harriett 
K. White, a daughter of Dr. Davis, asking if she did not have 
among the papers of her deceased father some evidence that 
would be likely to explain this matter, and the following is that 
lady's reply : 

■•Bryan. Texas, :March ^(i, lUOO. 
•'Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir: — Since the receipt of your letter I have been trying to 
obtain the information you asked for. I have recently come into posses- 
sion of a small trunk of letters, and papers, and I think it will aid you in 
your work, to give you the result of my researches. 

Yours very truly. 
•■H;\RRIET K. WHITE" 

The following are among the extracts from the newspapers 
that Mrs. White so kindly has supplied me with which were 
printed in 185G. 



*Since the foregoing was penned, Mr. J. C. Hightower, of Ruidosa, 
New Mexico, has sent me a sample of hair from a ten-year-old buck, 
which shows the two coats of hair very distinctly, which I shall refer to 
more particularly later on. 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora, ipp 

Frojii the "New York Country Gentleman:" 

"We are under obligations to R. C. Foster, Esq., of Nashville> Tenn., 
for samples of wool from 'Cashmere' goats, from the flock of Mr. William- 
son of Sumner County, Tennessee, who Mr. F. informs us, has about 
thirty of these goats. The wool, or hair, as we suppose it may more prop- 
erly be called, is a beautiful, soft, silky, article, from ten to twelve inches 
in length. We should be glad to have the history of this flock, the 
amount of produce, etc." 

Then follows: 

"The following report was made by Col. Richard Allen, late of Ken- 
tucky, and long and favorably known as a wool grower, under whose 
care these animals were placed during the winter of 1855-(), being the first 
winter after they were brought to Tennessee." 

"Gallatin, Sumner County, Tennessee, June 5th, 1856. 

'To the Editors of the 'Ciiltivaior and 'Country Gentleman: 

'I have been thinking for some time of calling your attention, and 
of the numerous readers of your widely circulated agricultural journals to 
the recent importations of the "Cashmere" shawl goat, an animal, as re- 
markable for the extreme fineness of its fleece, as for the enormous prices 
which it at all times commands in market. The first, and only importa- 
tion to the United States, was made a few years since, from Turkey 
in Asia, by Dr. James B. Davis of Columbia, S. C, who resided some 
j^ears in the East, and procured them under great difficulties, and at 
much cost, and personal hazard. They have been recently introduced 
into Tennessee by Messrs. Williamson, Adams & Co., an enterprising 
firm of public spirited gentlemen at Gallatin, Tenn., and are now on 
my farm near this place. The company have a charter of incorporation 
granted by the last Legislature of the State which is doing all in its power 
for the encouragement of the farming interests, having in successful op 
eration societies under the direct charge of a State Bureau, in the three 
grand divisions of the State in connection with the County societies in 
most of the large and populous counties. The fact is, Tennessee, so 
long behind-hand in that public countenance to these interests, is now far 
ahead of most of the older States in the encouragement and fostering 
of associations for the advancement of agricultural and mechanical arts. 

Most of your readers are doubtless familiar with the history of 
the 'Cashmere' goat, and it is scarcely necessary to speak of the in- 
trinsic value of the wool over that of any other fleeced animal known. 
The most fabulous prices at which the shawls have sold is known to 
almost every one, often approaching thousands of dollars each. One 
of the chief causes of its high value is the unperishable nature of the 
goods manufactured from the 'Cashmere-wool' surpassing in durabil- 



200 A Nciv Industry. 

ity of wear all other articles. The adaptation of the animal to our cli- 
mate has now been fully tested, while its hardy and lively nature; its 
habits and self-protection from dogs, and other enemies, are qualities 
which highly recommend them. They can be raised advantageously, 
and thrive upon weeds, and briars, etc., which are rejected by other 
animals. Not the least remarkable is the manner of gathering the fleece 
which is pulled, instead of being sheared. I have recently weighed the 
fleece from one, and it turned out three pounds, ten ounces (3 lbs. 10 ozs.) 
semi-annually. 

The entire yield of the Company's stock has been engaged in 
the City of New York at $8.50 per pound, from which point it will be 
sent to Paisley, in Scotland, for manufacturing into the shawls. I beg 
leave to enclose a sample of my raising. 

It may not be out of place in this connection to remark that great 
credit is due to Dr. Davis of South Carolina, for the enterprise he 
exhibited in the introduction of the goat to this country. He was, at 
the time in the employ of the Turkish government, at a salary of 
$15,000.00, engaged in experiments upon the growing of cotton in the 
Sultan's dominions. He went out upon the recommendation of Pres- 
ident Polk, to whom application was made by the Turkish government 
for the services of some competent Southern gentleman familiar with 
the cotton culture. 

While there, he determined to procure the goat from its native 
wilds, 'ihe story of the journey would be tedious for my brief letter, 
and I will merely add that, with an expensive outfit at Constantinople, 
a perilous journey of months, and the loss of many men and camels, he 
succeeded in capturing, and carrying off, eleven of the famous animals 
whose fleeces in the shape of shawls are so highly prized, and coveted 
by the ladies of all civilized nations, and for which prices almost start- 
ling have been paid by the wealthy. 

On his return home Dr. Davis visited London and exhibited liis 
flock at the British Museum, attracting great attention, an account of 
which may be found in the files of the 'London Times' of that date. They 
were, also, afterwards exhibited at Paris. 

After a careful examination of the whole subject I can not avoid 
the conclusion that the introduction of the animal will constitute an 
era in manufacturing which can not fail to result in great profits, to 
those engaged in it. There has not been a single instance, up ,to this 
date, where a 'Cashmere shawl' goat has brought at sale less than 
$1000.00 each. 

■ "RtCHARD ALLEN." 

Extract from a microscopic examination of the hair of the 
Asiatic goats, by George L. SchafTer, M. D., U. S. Patent 
Office : 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. 201 

"As the history of these goats has already been given in the agri- 
cultural reports of the Patent Office for 1853, as well as in other pub- 
Hcations by Dr. J. B. Davis of S. C, it is deemed unnecessary to repeat 
it here. 

"The full-bred animals of this importation, as well as their crosses 
on the common goa.t, have been sent to various parts of the country. 
Dr. D. C. Ambler of New York, who has introduced them into that 
State, has presented the specimens for examination at this office. 

"The value and good points of these animals have been so well 
reported upon at the various exhibitions, at which they have taken 
prizes, that I shall say nothing upon this subject, but proceed at once 
to the immediate object of this paper. 

"The first specimen examined was from a full-bred 'Davis' female 
born in South Carolina, and carried when three months old to Water- 
ville, Oneida County, New York, by Dr. Ambler, by whom it is now 
owned. The fleece was taken when twelve months old. The lock ex- 
amined shows a very beautiful curled, or wavy hair, of silvery whiteness, 
with a fine downy wool at its base. The hair selected for representation 
was ten inches long, and magnified four hundred times. The next 
specimen, was, from a full-bred female, born in South Carolina, and 
carried to Harper's Ferry in Virginia, when four months old, owned 
by Col. B. Davenport. The fieece was taken when twelve months old. 
In this lock, the down-wool was somewhat more abundant than in the 
former, the hair being nearly as long and a little finer. The third 
specimen was from a full-bred male born in South Carolina, similar to 
the former in the hair, with less down-wool. 

"The fourth specimen was from a second-cross between the full- 
bred, and common goat, born in South Carolina, and carried to New 
York, when four months old. The fleece was taken when twelve months 
old, five inches in length, exceedingly beautiful in color, and texture, 
and about equal to the finest saxony wool, all of which were compared 
with different hairs from a piece of shawl stuff, imported from Calcutta, 
and said to be the finest ever brought to this country." After which, 
Mr. Schaifer states: "It is gratifying to be assured that the fleece may 
be raised in this country, with a fineness closely approximating to that 
which it has ever attained in Asia under the most favorable circum- 
stances. 

From the "Weekly American Banner," Yazoo City, Miss. : 

"We have in our sanctum a specimen of the fleece of the 
genuine 'Cashmere' goat. Nothing of the kind, which we have ever 
seen, approaches it in softness, fineness and beauty. It is long, silky, 
silvery, finer than spun-glass, and quite as glossy.' Those of our friends 
who have a taste for such things are invited to call and see it. 



202 A Nnv Industry. 

"The 'Cashmere' goat is not sheared like a sheep, but the fleece is 
pulled off twice every year. An ordinary fleece weighs between three 
and four pounds. The New York price is $8.50 per pound making at 
least $51.00 a year for each goat, while there is no cost in feeding them, 
for they are as frugal and hardy as the common goat. How much better 
would it be for a company of our citizens, letting cotton alone, as much 
less profitable to introduce the 'Cashmere' goat. The cost at first would 
be considerable; the goats selling about $1000.00; but each one would 
make a return of five per cent, while the increase is so rapid that the 
profit would soon be a hundred per cent. 

"The cross with the common goat, even the second cross, yields a 
fine, and beautiful fleece, though not so long, and fine, as the pure breed. 

"Our country is indebted to Dr. J. B. Davis of Columbia, S. C, for 
the importation of the 'Cashmere' goat from Turkey in Asia. He was 
formerly employed by the Sultan to experiment upon the culture of 
cotton in Turkey, and while there he succeeded in capturing and bring- 
ing home eleven goats. No others have ever been imported, but the 
'Cashmere' goats are already becoming numerous in the United States. 
The fabric manufactured from its fleece is not only beautiful, but the 
most durable in the world, and it is the union of these two qualities 
which makes it so costly." 

From the "Presbyterian Herald," Louisville, Ky. : 

"Expensive animals. Among the 'passengers' by the Hudson River 
Railroad on Saturday were two 'Cashmere' goats bound for Tennessee. 
The Albany Times says they were purchased in South Carolina at $2600, 
and have been exhibited in New York. Admitting the two animals to 
weigh sixty pounds, for they are diminutive creatures, they would 
cost about forty-four dollars per pound, which is a rather extrav- 
agant price, almost equal to what Esau paid on one occasion for a 
mess of pottage, made from similar meat. As the wool of these goats, 
however, sells for eigJif dollars per pound, the specimens above referred 
to may prove a good investment." 

From the "Philadelphia Ledger:" 

"It is not as yet generally known that the 'Thibet" goat, from whose 
wool the famous Cashmere shawls are made, has been introduced suc- 
cessfully into the United States. This enterprising undertaking was 
achieved a few years ago after difficulties by Dr. J. B. Davis of Colum- 
bia, S. C, at that time employed by the Ottoman Porte in experimenting 
on the growth of cotton in the Sultan's dominions. Dr. Davis succeeded 
at vast expense in securing eleven head of pure breed which, on his way 
home, he exhibited in London and Paris. Since that period the goat 
has been introduced from South Carolina into Tennessee, where it is 
said to thrive. 



Breeding — PastExperienee — Result of Crossing the Angora. 20^ 

From the "Sumner (Term.) Flag:" 

"The value of a flock may be estimated from the fact that no real 
'Thibet' goat has ever been sold for less than one thousand dollars. 
This enormous price, moreover, is not a speculative one, for no fleeced 
animal has wool of such fineness, softness, and durability. The wool 
of all 'Thibet' goats in Tennessee, for example, has been engaged in 
New York this year at eight dollars and a half per pound. The pur- 
chasers desiring to send it to Paisley. Scotland in order to be manuufac- 
tured into shawls." 

From the "Examiner," of Gallicin, Tenn. : 

"High-priced wool. The first lot of 'Cashmere' wool raised in Tennes- 
see was sold last week in this place by the agent of the Sumner Cashmere 
Company for $8.50 per pound. We learn it is to go to the Shakers of 
Kentucky, where it will be combed, and probably manufactured into 
textile fabrics.'' 

We were shown, a few days ago, a specimen of fleece from a half- 
blood 'Cashmere' goat raised by Dr. James M. Head, of this County. 

"It is about three inches long, of a silvery whiteness, and about equal 
to the finest Saxony wool. It is interspersed with a few coarse hairs, 
which will disappear with another cross, each increasing the length and 
fineness of the fibre. 

Dr. Head has refused $200.00 for the kid, the dam of which cost him 
one dollar about a year since." 

Numerous other quotations might be made, but the above 
I think are quite sufficient to prove the fact that the "Davis" 
goats did not eonie from Angora in Turkey, but, were undoubt- 
edly, a different variety of goats, which Dr. Davis had probably 
learned of during his stay in the employ of the Turkish govern- 
ment. I reach this conclusion from two circumstances that are 
abundantly substantiated by the testimony I have. just given : 

First. Mr. Richard Allen stales: "While there he (3Ir. 
Davis) determined to procure the goat from its native wilds. The 
story of the journey would lie tedious for my brief letter, and I will 
merely add: With an expensive outfit at Constantinople, a per- 
ilous journey of months, and the loss of many men and camels, he 
succeeded in capturing, and carrying off eleven of the famous 
animals. '" * * * 

Second. The price that the fleece of these animals sold for 
is uniformly placed at $6.00 to $8.50 per pound, and was sent to 
Paiselv Scotland, to be made into fabrics. 



204 ^ Nciv Industry. 

It is well known and must have been known to Dr. Davis, 
who resided for three years in Turkey that, the ordinary "An- 
gora" goat was obtainable with little or no trouble, within a 
few hours travel of Constantinople. ^VJt!/ then sjiovld lie have 
fitted out such et lai ge and expensive ex])editio)i, and ha ve con- 
sumed months in a ■periloifsjuurnef/y 

And, as to the value of the fleeces. It is well known that or- 
dinary mohair was an article of export to Great Britain at the 
time Dr. Davis was living- in Constantinople, and he must have 
been familiar with its market value. 

It was quoted at 48 cents per pound in 185G, when the com- 
mittees of gentlemen, appointed by the various fairs and agri- 
cultural associations, reported it as being worth $G.OO to $8.00 
per pound. It is idle to 'suppose that these honorable gentlemen 
were ignorant of this conmiercial fact ; and, to suppose that they 
would sit upon a committee for the purpose of attesting to the 
merits of an article, and fail to investigate very fully into that 
feature of their report, is too silly to admit of argument. 

That the animals referred to were of the character des- 
cribed, there cannot be the shadow of a doubt ; and, the only 
explanation that can be advanced for the change in the nature 
of the wool, or fleece, is that, thr<>u{/h t/ie crossijig of the pure 
Ijreed animal, ivith the common short /laired varietij of tins country , 
an entirely different class (f .stock iras pnidnced which, in a great 
measure fully vindicates the opiju'on expressed t)y Dr. Davis in 
1<S5S, when he reported to the Agricnltural Department that: 

"In the third cross upon the Cashmere, we may expect a valuable 
experiment by changing the fine under-\vool, or down, into a conjoint 
and uniform covering of wool.'' 

Bearing further and with much greater force on this cjues- 
tion, Mrs. White writes me as follows : 

-Bryan, Texas, April 17th, lOoO. 
"Mr. W. L. Black, Fort McKavett, Texas: 

"Dear Sir — Your valued letter of April 8th, has been received, with 
my father's report to the Patent Office m 1853. Thank you very much 
for both. I return the printed extracts which you can keep as long ^y 
you please. T shall now answer your other questions. 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. 20 j 

"Bishop Southgate, of the Episcopal Church, was Bishop of Turkey, 
and while the Sultan was having a residence built for my father on the 
farm where the cotton experiment was going on, my father and mother 
lived with the Bishop. The conversations were varied and interesting, 
;ind my father's interest in animals being known, the Bishop told him 
of these 'Cashmere' goats, which he had seen in Persia and India. He 
had a native friend in Persia who could procure these 'Caslimere^ goats. 
A messenger who could be trusted was sent with a letter to Bishop South- 
gate's- native friend in Persia. He obtained the pure-blooded 'Cashmere,' 
and one pair of 'Thibet' goats. Of course, camels — generally led by a 
donkey — were as mucli used in those days as pack horses were once 
used in Texas. They came to Constantinople from all quarters, and 
'camels and men' were employed for all purposes. It was several months 
before the goat messenger returned, btit he came back finally. The 
goats originally cost, in the remote regions of Asia, from four to six 
dollars apiece, but by the time they were brought to where my father 
met them and brought them to the farm near Sin Stefans, Turkey, 
and then brought them to this country, via London and Paris, the cost 
was large. He sold the goats at $1,000.00 each— I know— the $100.00* 
was an error. 

"These goats were pure 'Cashmere' and one pair of 'Thibet.' My father 
was very particular on this point because the 'Angora' goat had coarser 
hair. Col. Peters and my father discussed this question, and I do not 
believe in that reported interview in which he said they were not 'Cash- 
mere,' The 'Cashmere' had very long fine white silk locks. The 'Thibet' 
had an outer coat of blue-gray hair, and under this an extremely fine 
white fleece. I do not think the goats shed their fleece. The graded 
goats had fine, beautiful fleece, and in some crosses the only way to 
detect the cross was down the spine where some coarse hair betrayed 
the mixture. Animals are like plants, more affected by altitude than 
latitude, and of course, in the process of crossing on common goats there 
would, sometimes, occur a 'reversion of type,' that might look as if the 
'Cashmere' was not all that was claimed for it, but before Darwin this 
was not understood as it is now. There were two or three importations of 
goats purporting to be 'Cashmere,' but my father said they were 'Angora' 
goats, and of a coarser fleece. His long reidence in Turkey — three 
years — gave him time, and his position gave him an opportunity to get 
what he wanted, and what he imported to this countrj^ — 'the true Cash- 
mere goat.' I know he sold the graded goats for $200.00 each, and of 
course he got more for the higher grades, and one thousand for the full- 
bloods. 



*This refers to a report in the Agricultural Report of 1855, quoted 
heretofore, which I remarked must have been a typographical error. 



2o6 A New Iiidiisfry. 

"The 'Scinde' goat is in the picture,* also the 'Thibet' ewe, 'Cashmere' 
goat, 'Water Buffalo' and 'Brahmins.' The Earl of Derby said to my 
father: 'What will you take for a pair of those 'Cashmere' goats? I 
want them more than anything you hav'\' My father answered: 'You 
may have a pair for a certain 'Brahmin' cow in 'Surrey Gardens,' and r 
male 'Brahmin' (in some other noted collection).' 

" 'You shall have them,' said the Earl of Derby. 

'A pure white Brahmin bull and a beautiful sort of sorrel heifer was 
obtained, and exchanged for one pair of goats. These two Brahmins 
were afterwards sold for $4,000.00 for the pair. You will see how highly 
these goats were vahied. 

The zvatcr oxen my father brought from Turkey, having originally 
been brought there from some other country. I have a beautiful group 
of these painted from the original importation. I took the picture of the 
goats, etc., from the frame and carried it to the photographer, and he 
will have it in a few days ready to send you. I have an engraving of a 
goat that I will also have photographed, and I will send them to you 
as soon as they are finished. 

"My father was in Europe three years, ranging from somewhere in 
184G to 1849. 

"If there is any other information you woujd like, I shall be glad to 
give it. 

"Very truly yours. 

•HARRIET E. WHITE." 

SOME MORE CHANGES. 

In IcSfiii, Air. S. S. Williams of Granville, Ohio, in a letter to 
the Hon. Israel H. Diehl referring to his own goas, says: 

'T have about one hundred goats. In regard to the breed of my 
goats, whether 'Angora' or 'Cashmere' mine belong to that breed 
first introduced by Dr. J. B. Davis, as 'Cashmeres,' and which 
have generally gone by that name to this day. But if the Cash- 
mere' goat is the animal bearing a coarse hair, with an under- 
growth of only a few ounces of fine fleece, then mine are not 
'Cashmeres, though known as 'Cashmeres' in this country; and, from the 
description of Rees, and others, mine are the '.'i;ig'07-a,' for they describe my 
goats as correctly as I can myself. I rest satisfied that our goat, whatever 
it should be called, is valuable, and I care little for the name. I send 
you a sample of the wool of my buck, Sampson, which clips over six 
pounds. Of course, I think he is more valuable than an animal yielding 
only three ounces of but little finer quality." (See Agtl. Dept. Report, 
1863. p. -i-iii). 



■^See })late III. on the extreme right hand side. 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. 207 

Dr. Scott's description of the changed condition in the ani- 
mal is peculiarly interesting. He says : 

"Like some furred animals, these goats wear two distinct, and dif- 
ferent , suits of clothing, and mainly at different seasons. One is short, 
stiff, coarse, and of no commercial value; the other is long, in proportion 
to the degree of blood, and is lustrous, soft, silky, and elastic. The animal, 
is born with the covering of the first, which, in a few weeks, drops out, 
and is simultaneously replaced by the second, or the fine wool, which, 
in its time, also drops out, and is similarly superseded by the first; the 
animals wearing the short, coarse hair in the spring and early summer, 
and the long, line wool in summer, fall and winter. When the wool of 
the Angora goat is being shed, the cups or bulbs in the skin, which pro- 
duced the fibres, are also shed, as well as the cuticle, or outside skin. 
This is a great peculiarity of the "Angora' goat; but a still greater one, 
and of far more practical importance, is the capacity of the bucks to 
transfer, or impart, this rare quality to other goats which do not possess 
it. The males certainly have this power in a high degree, and the female 
'Angora,' bred to a common male, will, no doubt, impart to the offspring 
the same quality, but probably not in so high a degree. The kid of an 
'Angora' buck, out of a native ewe, invariably has in its skin those bulbs, 
or cups, which produce and secrete the fine ivool of the 'Angora,' or 
wool-bearing goat, while it has the power to secrete the hair also, as 
its ancestry, on the dam side, always had. The wool of goats is finer, 
longer, or thicker, in different individuals of the same blood, just as is 
the case with sheep; and like sheep, also, the same animal produces finer 
wool when young than when advanced in life. But the wool of the 
half-blood kid, or goat, is of a standard fineness of full-blood, or of 
purebred. Angora goats' wool, but it is r.hort. The zvool and the liair of 
the half-blood grow together and seem to constitute but one covering; 
but a close inspection shows the different fibres issuing from different 
bulbs in the same skin; but, when the shedding season arrives, the fine 
■ivool may be combed out of the Iiair on the animal's back, and on being 
separated from it, bears a close resemblance to the finest fur, or to Saxonv 
wool, or to the 'Angora' mohair. A friend who was traveling in Europt. 
sent me a sample of mohair which exactly resembles this fine wool of 
the first cross, having also some of the coarse hair and of the cuticle in it, 
showing that it had been shed and not shorn. The two products of the 
half and of the three-quarter blood, being nearly of the same length, they 
cannot be separated by shearing, and to gather it by combing it out of 
the hair on the backs of the animals is too tedious. The specimen to 
which I have alluded, is probably the product of some other species of 
wool-bearing goat, and not of a half-blood cross of different species. 

"If the half-blood female kid is bred to a pure 'Angora' buck, the 
product will be similar, except that the wool will be longer, arid some- 



2oS ■ A Nciv Industry. 

times long enough to be separated by being shorn from the animals, 
so as to be cttt off over the ends of the coarse hair. The wool will be fine 
and long enough for many uses in manufacture, but there will generally 
be so much of worthless hair in it as to make it of little value. On animals 
of the third similar cross, or of seven-eighths Angora blood, the fine wool 
will always be so much longer than the hair, that it admits of practical 
separation by shearing; and so of those of the fourth cross; while those 
of the fifth cross and dbove it, bear wool which, in every essential par- 
ticular, resembles closely that of pure-bred or imported Angora, and ad- 
mits of application to all the uses of the best imported wool, or of home- 
raised wool from pure-bred animals, though involving some trouble in 
separating the hairs from it." (See Hayes, pp. 64-65.) 

Having had a very extended experience with goats in the 
United States, covering a period of twenty-four years, during 
which I have had as many as eight thousand head at one time, 
ranging from the common short haired goat of Mexico to the 
pure-bred Angora purchased from Col. Richard Peters of Geor- 
gia, in 1884, and having operated a tannery for the purpose of 
dressing the Angora goat skin, which has given me a most excel- 
lent opportunity to notice all the pecuHarities in the fleece of 
this animal, I will state some of my personal observations. 

I have seen many goats that produced two separate coats of 
hair, as described by Dr. Scott, one being short and coarse, or 
kevipy, white in color, the other fine and silky, and of different 
lengths. This type however is not common in flocks that have 
been highly improved, and I attribute it to the fact that the 
base blood of the common goat had not been entirely removed ; 
or, in other words, that the period of breeding with the Angora 
had not been long enough to thoroughly implant the mohair- 
producing blood. 

Mr. Hoerle refers to his experience with this type in a 
circular letter lately distributed by Mr. Wm. R. Payne, of New 
York, as follows : 

"The goats, which, after shearing, had an uncommonly long under- 
growth, raised my suspicion, and, anxious to see whether it would be 
best to cull such animals or not, I stained the undergrowth of some of 
<^hcm. When the mohair began to grow, it appeared perfectly white 
between the bluish-black undergrowth, and remained there visible 
for months, until it gradually faded out. This experiment convinced 



209 




PLATE VI. 



OFF-COLORED ANGORA GOATS, 



The black buck, has been bred, but failed to produce any other than white kids. 

The white goat has a red face, and legs: was red ail over when a kid, 

and, after shedding, exposes a coat of coarse, short red 

hair, like the head and legs. The black goat 

appears to have but the one coat. 



Breeding — PasfE.rperieiiee — Result of Crossing the Angora. 211 

me that the 'mohair is not the ordinary undergrowth elongated,' as Mr. 
Schreiner, and other breeders, seem to believe, but an entirely different 
kind of hair." 

Another type of goat I have seen has a coarse, kempy, yel- 
lovi^ish under-hair, and sometimes of a bkiish, or gray, color 
with a white mohair covering, and after the covering of white 
mohair had shed off, it would be difficult to believe that such an 
animal could possibly produce a fine covering of long, white mo- 
hair ; yet, in the growing season, (which I have found to differ 
very greatly, some animals beginning to produce as early as 
April and May, while others would not commence until June and 
July), the white mohair would show itself, and soon cover the en- 
tire body. 

The head and legs of these animals being of a dark color, 
gave them somewhat the appearance of a Shropshire sheep, 
(when the white mohair was grown out), and, as a general thing, 
these would always yield a very large fleece. 

As a rule, my improved goats only produced one coat of 
hair. To satisfy myself upon this point, I examined upwards of 
five hundred dressed Angora goat skins, in my tannery, and 
found the double-coated ones confmed entirely to the colored 
goat, and a few partly improved white goats, as above described. 
Col. W. W. Haupt refers to this feature in a communication that 
he wrote to the ''Soiithern Farmer," in 1889, at the request of Col. 
Richard Peters, who was anxious to learn what experience he 
had met with in the thirty years he had been breeding the An- 
gora. Col. Haupt says : 

"Now where do we get this very fine mohair from? From the pure- 
blooded Angora alone? No. This belief is a common error. The finest 
mohair you can find is from the half-breed from the coarse Mexican 
nanny. The origin of this belief is in the fact that heredity teaches that 
the peculiarities of two parents are equally (in the main) divided in all 
the different features, in the off-spring. This doctrine is literally true, 
ior it is the stamp of nature. But there seems two exceptional phenomena 
in regard to the Angora. First, whilst a fine-wooled sheep crossed on a 
coarse-wool, makes a medium grade fibre, from the fact that the fibres 
themselves partake of the cross. Yet, in the goat this crossing of fibres 
does not take place. The mohair on the half-breed simply displaces 
(or grubs out) a portion of the short, coarse hair, and supplants itself 



212 A Nciv Industry. 

in its placf, and each successive cross continues tliis encroaclinient until 
about the sixth cross they are about all gone. Tlie first cross gives 
about an incii in length of mohair, and each additional cross adds greater 
length, until finally it gets the extreme length of the pure-bloods; is as 
fully set on the animal, and will shear as heavly, and it has the fine- 
ness to start on, and is, in every essental, the e(|ual of the pure-blood, 
and,- so far as fleece is concerned (and that is all you want), it is in fact 
a pure-blood Angora goat." 

Another ])eculiarity I have noticed is, the great (Hfiference in 
the lengtlis to wliicli mohair will grow, and the general appear- 
ance of it when in full lieece. vSonie goats will have hair only 
six to eight inches in length, while with others it will grcjw to be 
twelve to fifteen. vSome will have a niilk-white color of hair, while 
with others it will be more like cream. The mohair of some goats 
will be wavy ; while in others it will hang in beautiful ringlets and 
a few will present an appearance very similar to a lady's hair that 
has jtist been released from a crim|:)er; the longest mohair, as 
a general thing, being in little ringlets, hanging as distinct from 
each other as the curls from a young lady's head. ( )ccasionally, 
a black, yellow, or blitish goat will produce black, yellow, or 
bluish mohair; but in nearly all cases, the outer covering Will 
be white. 1 have seen some pied, or variegated goats, 
each color ])roducing its own color of mohair, some of which, 
when shed off entirely, would ex])ose a spotted skin. 1 have at 
the present time a black male''' with a beautiful hair hanging in 
ringlets not less than ten inches long. 

Still another peculiarity is in the size of car- 
cass, and general appearance of the animals. Some 
are heavily-bodied, with a coarse bone, the wethers often 
reaching one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy-five 
pounds, while others will be slender bodied, with small bone, 
reaching only about eighty pounds, when fully developed. The 
latter, I find to be the more common variety, which I suppose 
is due to the fact that they usually have longer hair hanging in 
ringlets, and are more attractive to the average breeder. As 
may well be supposed, the horns of the heavier variety are much 
longer and coarser looking than the smaller type, and the hair 
is wavy. 

*See plate VI. 



Breeding— Past Experience— -Result of Crossing the Angora. 2Jj 

The general opinion among breeders, both in Turkey, 
South Africa, and our own country, is that a pure-bred "Angora" 
must be smah and delicate, with thin horns, wooled all over the 
body, with ringletted hair, ranging from ten to fifteen inches, 
barely touching the ground, and produce a tuft of mohair on the 
forehead, which will cover the eyes. Dr. Hayes says : 

"An infallible proof of purity insisted on by many writers is, the 
curling of the hair which is observed upon the young individual, only 
when they are of pure blood, so that all young bucks are rejected from 
the flocks with the utmost care as not being of the pure race whose 
hair is not curled." (See Hayes, p. 32.) 

Mr. S- H. Pegler, author of the '^Book of the Goat," and a 
professional breeder in South Africa, says : 

"The correct points of a pure-bred Angora, are head fine with 
fleece growing well over the forehead, ears thin, wide and pendulous; 
not long, and hanging down direct from the head, but standing out, 
and then lopping over, more resembling the ears of a mastiff, on the 
alert, and best described as semi- pendant. Horns flat shaped, set far 
apart on head, and tapering gradually towards the tips. Direction de- 
pends on the sex. Male inclines first to the rear, with a slight twist 
outward, and the ends pointing upward. Female, they take a lateral 
direction, spiral more decided, and the ends point downward. The 
chief feature consists in the length, texture and character of fleece. In 
the best of animals it is of a fine silky nature, growing in thickly mat- 
ted flakes near the skin, and then separating into long, corkscrew- 
shaped ringlets, covering the animal to the hocks. The best fleeces 
from a full grown animal of prime age, and blood, should average six 
pounds weight, and the staple or strands averge eight inches in length." 

Mr. H. O. Binns, a Turkish authority, describes a pure- 
bred yVngora as being, 

"About the size of a South African kid, five months old, with small 
thin horns, wooled all over the body, the hair almost covering the 
eyes, and exceedingly delicate." 

Dr. Hayes makes mention of a certain specimen, which I 
presume, must have been considered very perfect at the time 
(1855) that a M. Brandt, director of the Museum at St. Peters- 
burg, and distinguished among the zoologists of Europe for his 
conscietious work and profound knowledge described as 
follows : 



21/}. A New Industry. 

"The magnificent example of the Angora goat which the Museum 
of the Imperial Academy owes to M. Tchihatchiff produces at first 
sight the general impression of a domestic goat, when attention is not 
directed to its thick and silky fleece, to its flat ears, turned downwards; 
and its inconsiderable size. But it is precisely these traits which im- 
press upon this animal a distinct seal, which give it the character of 
a peculiar race, whose origin is, perhaps, not the same as that of the do- 
mestic goat. The extremity of the snout; the cheeks; the nasal and 
frontal bone as well as the ears, and lower part of the legs, below the 
tarsal articulation, are covered with the external hairs, which are shorter 
and thicker than those which cover the above mentioned parts in other 
species of goats. The forehead has soft hairs of less length, less ap- 
plied to the skin, and, in part curled. The hair of the beard, which is 
pointed, and of moderate dimensions, being six inches in length, is 
stiffer than the hair of the rest of the body, but less so than that of 
the beard of the ordinary goat. The horns, of a grayish white tint, 
are longer than the head; ai: their lower part the interior marginal 
border turns inwards in such a manner that they appear broad viewed 
in front, and narrow when seen exteriorly; at half their extension 
Ihey direct themselves moderately backwards, and turn spirally out- 
wards, so that their extremities directed slightly upwards, are very 
much separated, one from the other, and circumscribe a space grad- 
ually contracting itself. The whole of the neck, as well as the trunk, 
is covered with long hairs which, particularly vipon the neck and lateral 
parts of the body, are twisted in spirals, having the appearance of 
loosened ringlets, it being observed at the same time, that they unite 
themselves into rolled tufts, a disposition which is less marked in the 
anterior part of the neck. The hairs which exhibit the greatest length, 
are situated above the forelegs, and are, almost nine and one-half inches 
long. Those of the neck are a little shorter, and are nine inches long, 
and those of the belly eight inches three lines. The length of the hair 
with which the lateral parts of the body, as well as the back, are covered, is 
only seven inches, six lines; and that of the hair of the hind legs six inches 
to seven inches. Finally, the slight stiff hair of the tail is about four 
inches in length. The color of the robe of the animal is a pure white, here 
and there slightly inclined to yellow. The hoofs, somewhat small, 
in proportion, are, like the horns, of a grayish white tint. The hair 
is, without exception, long, soft, and fine; it is at once silky, and greasy, 
to the touch, and shows, distinctly, the brilliancy of silk." (See Hayes, 
page 8.) 

The dimensions of the specimen above referred to by M. Brandt, 
are given by him as follows: 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing iheAicgora. 2/5 

Ft. iQ. L. 

From the point of the snout to the root of the tail 5 4 2 

Length of head 11 9 

From the point of the snout to the eye. . . : 5 1 

From the e3-e to the ear 2 5 

From the eye to the horns •. . . 1 9 

Length of ear 6 

Length of horns, in direct diameter 1 2 

Length of horns, following the cufvature 1 6 6 

Distance between horns, taken at the roots -2 1 

Distance between their terminal point 1 9 9 

Width of horns, at their roots 2 '1 

Length of tail, including the hair 9 9 

Height of anterior part of the body 2 2 4 

Height of posterior part of the body 2 2 2 

(See Hayes, page 10.) 

The Hon. Israel H. Deihl, in a paper on ''The Goat," pub- 
lished in the United States Agricultural Department for 1863, 
quotations from which have heretofore been made, says : 

"The Angora goat has a very beautiful curled or wavy hair, of sil- 
very whiteness, with a fine downy wool at its base, and this hair is dis- 
posed in long, pendant, spiral ringlets on the whole body. The horns 
of the female, instead of spreading as in the male, turn backwards, and 
are much shorter in proportion; those of the male are long, spirally 
twisted, but the size and direction are very different from the common 
goat, being generally extended from fifteen to thirty inches in height 
on each side of the head, while those of the female end near the ears. 
The hair or wool often sweeps to the ground and is from five to twelve 
inches long, especially in the older bucks, but then not so fine. 

"The fleece of the ewe shears from three to five pounds and that 
of the buck from five to nine. The tail is shorter than that of the Cash- 
mere, and usually carried erect. These goats have the hair very long. 
thick, and so fine that stufifs have been made of it almost as handsome and 
gloss}'- as our silks, and have been known under the various names of 
Cashmeres, Camlets, etc. This brief description will apply to almost 
all we saw in Western Asia, Europe, and in this countr\^, (say of several 
thousands) save some difference in the ears; for, while many have the 
pendant ears, others we examined have ears exceeding^ small and short." 

Mr. G. A. Hoerle, in a pamphlet published about 1885 or 
1886, during' his connection with the industry in Texas, has given 
the following description of a perfect specimen of an Angora 
goat : 

"The shape of a perfect Angora goat, when in full fleece, should ap- 
pear like a right-angled square (parallelogram). The bod}' should be 



2i6 A Nezv Industry. 

full and long and of straight build. It should be densely and evenly 
covered with fine curly, and lustrous, silky hair, appearing form a distance 
as if it had been trimmed ofT below the body. The chest and shoulder, 
especially with the male animals should be broad and strong, the legs 
straight, and chunky, the head clean cut and trim, not coarse, 
like that of the common goat. The horns of the buck are long 
and strong, inclined toward the back and of a spiral-like shape, 
some almost perfect spirals; the horns of the ewes, short and thin, and 
curved backward. Hornless Angoras exist but are rare. The ears are al- 
most always what are commonly called lop-ears, and differ very much in 
size; those of some animals are over a foot long, and about four inches 
wide. However, the existence of so-called fox-ears, or mouse-cars, is by 
no means, an evidence of impurity of blood. Some of the ewes coming 
from Col. Peters' thoroughbred stock, as well as the very best nanny 
(ewe) of Mr. W. D. Parrish's importation, which sheared, after being 
acclimated, a little over five pounds of mohair, had these, generally, so 
much despised 'fox-cars.' We consider the prejudice against this kind of 
ears, certainly a very foolish one, at least, as long as we are breeding for 
mohair, and not for long ears, to obtain which, the donkey would be a 
better subject for our experiments." (See Hoerle, page 11.) 

My personal opinion is, that the fine dehcate frame of the 
pure-bred Angora described by the above authorities has been 
produced by a very long course of in, and in-breeding, which is 
known to have been universally practiced by the Turkish breed- 
ers in the early day, and this opinion is strengthened, in a great 
measure, by the fact that, the Turks were accustomed to cross 
their white Mohair gloats with the common black goat of their 
country (the "Kurd"), in order to give them greater strength 
and vitality. Dr. Hayes, quoting from M. Boulier, in a report 
of a mission to Asia Minor presented to the French Minister 
of War, says : 

"In severe winters, while the common goat of the country is unaffec- 
ted, the mortality among the goats of the pure race is frightful. * * 
The delicacy and lymphatic temperament of the white Angora which 
seems to be inherent to this race, appear to be closely related to their 
color. Some physiologists sec in the color, and delicacy of this animal 
the evidence of an imperfect albinism." And Dr. Hayes adds, referring 
to a statement made by M. Tchihatchciif that "when the losses are very 
considerable the people of the country repair the.n by crossing the An- 
gora with the common goats, and that purity of the race is regained in 
the third generation." (S;e Hayes, page 30.) 

If the reader will turn to plates IV and V and examine 
the cuts of two goats imported from Asia Minor by Dr. J. B. 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. 2iy 

Davis in 1849, which have been admitted, by all authorities who 
have e\er seen them, as being perhaps, the purest bred mohair 
goats that have ever been exported from Turkey, he will find 
that they do not correspond in any one particular with either 
of the foregoing descriptions of a pure-bred "Angora," unless 
it be in the shape of the ears of the female. The hair of these 
animals does not hang in "closely matted ringlets, nearly touch- 
ing the ground," but is wavy. The ears of one lop ; while, in the 
other, they are like a fox-ear. The horns of the female are cer- 
tainly not the delicate little horns, described by ]\Ir. Hoerle, 
and which I have observed myself, on many of our goats that 
have been bred a long time, the tendency seeming to be for the 
horns to become smaller, as the animal ascends in the scale of 
mohair qualities. Moreover, the shape, and weight, of the 
"Davis" goats, does not correspond \vith the diminutive little 
animal which Mr. Binns says only "grows to be the size of a five 
months' old Cape (African) kid." In place of weighing, per- 
haps, sixty or seventy pounds for a male, the "Davis" male goat 
weighed 165 pounds and the female 102 pounds, probably as 
large again as the so-called pure Angora. The shearing capacity 
of the "Davis" goats is represented as having been seven pounds 
in the male, and four and a half pounds in the female, which, in 
1855, was above the reported average of any goats in Turkey. 
The conclusion I have come to from observing these pecul- 
iarities is that the wavy hair is largely confined to the heavy- 
framed, coarse-horned animal, and the long ringletted hair to 
the smaller-framed animal. I will now call attention to still 
another change in our mohair goat, which I believe is due to 
the peculiar type, or breed, of goat which Dr. Davis first intro- 
duced into the United States in IS-t'), crossed with our common 
Mexican variety. 

NOX-SHEDDIXG ANGORA GOATS. 
Notwithstanding the fact that no reference is made to the 
shedding feature of the "Angora," by any of the authorities I 
have quoted from, it has been the opinion of all breeders, up 
to within the past few- years that they shed their hair every 
spring, as certainly as the horse, or the cow, does, and a very 
large number of them have this opinion still. 



2i8 A Nczv Industry. 

Col. Richard Peters, in a letter to Dr. Hayes, says : 

' The greatest drawback I have experienced with Angoras has 
been the shedding too early of their fleeces. Of late years, by good keep, 
during the months of February and March, and by their not running 
through brier patches, I have been more successful in saving the fleece in 
good condition." (See Hayes, page 79.) 

Dr. Robert W. Scott of Kentucky, says: 

"The animal is born with a covering of short, stifT, coarse hair of no 
commercial value, which, in a few weeks, drops out and is replaced by a 
growth of mohair, which is long in proportion to the grade, or blood, of 
the animal, and is lustrous, soft, silky, and elastic, which, in its time, 
also drops out, and is similarly superseded by the first; the animals wear- 
ing, the short, coarse hair, in the spring and summer, and the long, fine 
wool in the fall and winter." (See Hayes, page 64.) 

Having observed in my own docks, a great many kids that 
did not possess the peculiarity mentioned by Dr. Scott, I deter- 
mined to investigate further and see if any of my grown goats 
retained their fleece in the spring, and was gratified to find such 
an animal among some that I had sold to parties in Iowa, and 
I have since found quite a number in my Texas stock. My find 
was so at variance with the accepted opinion of all breeders in 
our own country as well as in Turkey and South Africa ; and, 
fearing that the circumstance which I had noticed, was caused 
perhaps, by some peculiar condition of the animal and was not 
a common occurrence, I felt a hesitancy in presenting the infor- 
mation unsupported by the testimony of others, so I decided to 
send out the followdng list of questions to a number of breeders, 
throughout the States : 

1. Have you ever observed any Angora goat that had two distinct 
coats of hair? 

2. Have you observed that some Angora goats shed their hair 
sooner than others? 

3. Have you observed that some Angora goats do not shed their 
hair at all? 

4. Have you ever observed any Angora kids that do not shed their 
first, or "kid" hair? 

5. How do you decide on a buck, by pedigree or merit? 

6. Have you had many hornless Angoras goats ? 

It is quite interesting to note the several replies to the above 
qtiestions. 



219 




CD 



With only a few exceiJtions, every one of the fifty breeders who sent 
me tlieir replies, say th-'y have never neen an animal with two distinct 
coats of iiair, and ihe.-e few describe the undercoat as beinjj;' "kemp."* 

The following is a list of the answei'S I have received to the fore- 
going questions : 



S3 

H 

< 

CO 


No. 1 


No. 2 


No. 3 


No. 4 


No. 5 


No. 6 


Name and AouiiEas 


Yes 


Ho 


Yes 


No 


Yep 


No Yes 


No 


Pedi- 
gree 


•| Yes 


No 


OfBllBEDKU 






o 
o 




o 
o 

o 
o 

o 

o 



o 


o 






o 




o 






o 
o 


o 
o 




H T. Fuchs. Tiger Mill, 
J. M. Arnold, Moniell. 
















o 
o 
o 



o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 






o 
o 



<> 
o 
o 
o 
o 








o 
o 


o 
o 
o 
o 



o 
o 


o 
o 




o 

o 
o 


P C McLen<lon, Dripping Spgs. 
Wm M Landrum. Lacuna. 
Doufrhter A Luilrell, Ltpan. 
W it. MoKee. .runotioa City. 
J D Hunter, Iun<-tIon City. 
Tom S EvariH, Exile P. O. 
H. B. Manshal), AusUri 
It H. Lowry, Camp San Saba 
J W. Garrett, Mountain Home. 
B L. Crouch, Pear.sall, 
Col, W. W. Huupt, Kyle. 






o 




W 


<) 
o 

o 

o 
o 

o 

o 
o 


o 
o 
o 

o 

o 

o 
o 
o 



o 

o 
o 
o 
o 

o 


o 
o 

o 
o 


o 

o 
o 






o 




o 






o 
o 



o 
o 

o 

o 

o 
o 
o 

o 
o 










W. G Hughes, Hastings. 




o 


o 


o 







Geo. W Baylor, Montell. 




o 
o 
o 
o 

o 
o 



o 


o 
o 

o 
o 



o 
o 
o 
o 


o 




D. S. Baljb, Sonora 














H H Wyatt. Sonora. 




o 





o 
o 
o 

o 
o 
o 




o 
o 
o 
o 




S5 
O 


o 
o 


Jas McDonald, Morrison. 
Mr. Ma«ter.s, Cleveland 
W. D. Claggett. Salem. 
Geo. A. Houcif. Eugene. 
D, A Walker, Carlton. 


o 


o 


o 



o 


() Dowell. Fiore ce. 

Franii H Rodgers, Gardener. 

J M Hassler. Larwood. 




-.111 


Hi:. 


Oscar Tom, Angora 




o 
o 


o 

o 
o 
o 

o 
o 
o 


o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 


;::; 


< oiiljlin Bros . Newville. 














■< 

M 

as 
< 


o 
o 



o 
o 
o 

;r'of 
o 
o 

o 




o' 

exp 
o 
o 
o 


o 




o 
o 
o 
o 
o 

lanu 


o 
o 


o 
o 



o 






o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 
o 

o 
o 


A. Moon. Ono. 

Jacoh Oaks, Paskenta. 

Pijllo Ogden, Upper Lake. 

No Name, Ico. 

James H Dunison, Upper Lake. 

A. J. Linton, Ager. 

Wm. Richter, Ico 




lion 


o 
o 

o 
o 


o 


X Y Z, Ono. 

C. P. Bailey. San Jose. 


o 


o 
o 


o 

o 
o 
o 


o 

See 
o 
o 
o 
o 


his 


o 
o 

lett€ 

o 


J. H. Hightower. Ruldosa. 
D. C. Taylor, Lake Valley. 
J. C. Hightower, Ruidosa. 




I J Booth, Cresco. 


o 


m^ 




Morgan & Morgan, Clay. 
J. R Standley, Platteville. 


IdAllO 


J S. Harris, Oakley 


Arizona 




o 
o 


o 
o 


~ 


~ 


o 
o 




o 


o 


o 


o 


o 


J. S Barnetie. Globe. 


Xont. 




S S Brannin. Marvsvllle. 


Utah 


o 


o 


o 
o 
o 


~ 


o 
o 








o 


o 
o 
o 


<> 


o 


Jos. E Hamblin, Knab. 


Wash. 


o 


rff: 


o 
o 


No Name. Bucoda 


H. C, 


u 


Lafayette Holt. Burlington 


W.Va. 






o 






o 


o 






o 




o 


O. D Hill. Keadalia 


Penn 




o 




o 




o 




<) 




o 




o 


Miller ito Sibley. Franklin. 


Okla. 




o 


o 






o 




o 


o 




o 




J. K. Young. Woodward 






o 
o 


o 
o 


o 


o 
o 












o 


o 
o 


W. J. Seever. St. Louis. 




o 


o 


o 


o 


o 


A. Lippincott, Sheridan 


Iinn. 




A. G. Wilcov. Hugo 



•Since thl» wa« writtwn, Mr. .J. C. Hiifhtower, of KuiiJosa, N. M., ha» written me of a ^oat that had two 
coats of hair. HIk letter may be fouad under the head of Xew Mexico Breeders' Ueports. 



A Nezv Industry. 
GENERAL SUMMARY. 



FORM OF QUESTION ASKED. 



'Have j^ou ever observed any Angora 
Goat that had two distinc. coats of 
hair?" 

'Have you observed that some An- 
gora Goats shed sooner than 
others?" 

'Have you observed that some An- 
gora goats do not shed at all?" . . ■ • 

'Have you observed that some An- 
gora kids do not shed their first, 
or 'kid,' iiair?" 

' Have you had many 'hornless' An- 
gora goats?" 

'How do you decide upon the quality 
of an Angora Buck?" 



Number 

Who 

Replied 

YES. 



Pedigree. 

4 



Number 
Who 

Replied 
NO. 



By Merit. 
23 



Number 
who failed 

to make 
any reply, 



By Both. 
10 



TOTAL. 



56 
56 

56 

56 

No Reply. 
19 



It will be observed that some of our oldest and largest 
breeders are among those who have never seen a non-shedding 
goat ; and, some even go so far as to affirm that such an animal 
does not exist ; but in the face of the testimony I am now pre- 
pared to lay before my readers, on this question, I think it is 
idle to make such a statement. 

I regard non-shedding a most important feature as the 
shearing of Angoras in the month of February or March (which 
is made necessary, in many sections, in order to avoid 
loss from the shedding of the fleece), is usually attended with 
more or less loss in life from the cold rains and wind storms 
that are common at this season of the year. 

The following communication, from Mr. J.C.P.McLendon, 
of Texas, will, I think, convince many of the doubters of the 
existence of this type of Angoras : ' 

"Dripping Springs, Hays County, Texas, Oct. 16, 1899. 

"Col. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir:- — Yoitrs of the 4th received. Yes, you can use anything in 
my former letter I may have said about Angora goats, or in this. Certain- 
ly, we have different types of so-called pure-bred Angoras. Any breeder 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. 2i'j 

of close observation can but be convinced of that fact. In regard to 
shedding, I know that climatic influences and the condition of the animal 
may have some influence, but my experience proved to my satisfaction, 
that there are Angoras that do not shed their mohair any more than sheep 
shed their wool, and I think all breeders should aim to secure and per- 
petuate that type. Col. Robt. W. Scott's stock farm was near Frankfort, 
Ky. He died some seven or eight years ago. He was a scientific, con- 
scientious breeder, a true type of the Kentucky gentleman. I never 
knew him personally, but my dealings and correspondence with him, en- 
able me to accord him all honor. 

"I don't know whether I mentioned it or not in my former letter, 
but all of my goats that did not shed their mohair, were pure white to the 
skin. Many were white that did shed, but none that had a yellow tinge 
near the hide held their coats, but shedded off clean with an undercoat of 
fine short hair, also 3'ellow. Those that were white and shedded, had 
white, short hair. 

"Any direct questions you may wish to ask, will be answered to the 
best of my knowledge. I believe, though, I have condensed all I know of 
importance. Respectfully, 

J. C. P McLENDON." 

Messrs. Conklin Bros., of Xewville, Cal., write as follows : 

"Newville, California, Aug. 19, 1899. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black. 

"My Dear Sir: — In reply to questions yon ask, will say to No. 1: 
We have never known a goat to produce fur as an undercoat, but have 
read that such goats are produced in Turkey, and that the finest Cashmere 
shawls are made from this undergrowth, after the long hair is separated 
therefrom. But they are not considered profitable, as they only shear 
a few ounces, and the heavj', coarse hair is of but little value. 

"Nc. 3. We have a number of goats that do not shed their hair in 
the spring, have a continuous growth, and their kids do not shed their kid 
hair either. This we know, for during kidding, we often paint the twin 
kids with red paint, and they carry that paint until shorn in the fall, and 
we believe that by careful and correct breeding, we can secure a flock 
of that kind. This is one point that we sre working for now. We have 
no hornless goats but are informed that there is a breed of that kind in 
Asia Minor, but do not know whether it is a distinct breed or not. 

"I can not see why there should not be a thoroughbred Angora, as 
well as a thoroughbred horse, cow, sheep, hog or dog. My idea of the 
term 'thoroughbred,' is an animal that is bred for points for a period 
of years, until the type is fixed, so that the offspring will be of the same 
kind, bred year after year, and not degenerate, or if bred to inferior blood 



224 ^ Nezv Industry. 

will reproduce themselves in six crosses and make a full blood animal. 
This might be a different type from any other in Turkey, and called the 
'American type.' Our goats have been bred for over thirty years, and a 
systematic record of them kept; each goat numbered, and character 
noted by points, so that now we can choose a pair of goats, and tell al- 
most exactly what the progeny will be as to fleece, covering, weight, and 
constitution, etc. This, we think, is pointing to thoroughbred standard. 
"There are so many different grades of goats that I think that each 
individual will have to work out his own type, or strain, and among all 
of them, there will probably be but few that will produce anything of 
value. Only very few can succeed in improving any kind of animals. 
It requires a certain kind of tact and continual effort, and long persever- 
ance, perhaps a life-time to accomplish one certain idea, as it was with the 
Merino sheep. One hundred years ago, all sheep in America shed their 
fleece, more or less; now, such a thing is unheard of unless by disease, 
and, I am sure that Angoras can be brought to this point, perhaps in 
a very few years more. Yours very truly, 

CONKLIN BROS., 
Per M. L. Conkiin."' 

A close neighbor to my ranch, Mr. W. F. Luckie, whose 
postoffice address is Fort McKavett, Menard County, Texas, 
stated a circumstance, a short time ago, which is very conclusive 
testimony on this subject. He had placed all of his bucks on 
the ranch of a neighbor, and failed to shear them with his other 
goats. One of them carried his fleece perfectly through the 
entire summer, and, with the exception that it matted in places 
on the hind cjuarters, it was jtist as nice in appearance as the 
ones that had shedded ofi and grown a new fleece. 

Mr. Hoerle, also, refers to having seen non-shedding g-oats 
during his experience as a breeder in Texas in the early eighties. 
Mr. Hoerle says, in the circular letter addressed to Mr. Wm. R. 
Payne, already referred to : 

"I observed right in the first year, that after shearing, quite a number 
of my goats would not shed, others showed after shedding, quite a long 
undergrowth, which looked entirely different from mohair. Amongst 
the goats which did not shed their mohair, were, so to speak all the off- 
spring of the Maurice importation, and quite a number of the other 
thoroughbreds, as well as a few of the high grades. This observation 
brought me to the conclusion, that the original pure Angora probably did 
not shed, if shorn at the proper time." 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. 225 

The following remarks, with reference to non-shedding 
and other peculiar types of mohair goats by breeders who appear 
in the tabulated list of replies, will, no doubt, be interesting as 
well as instructive upon this question. 



-^ 










W^^^'Mg 




1 


1 ^ 


■ 


^ 




if 






1^ 




L 


1 ' 


kj/j^jUl 


1 


ja^ 


iB 


•f'T-fi^ •» 




1 


hH 


fe;a-&- 




1 


"" 


^H 


|'« 




' 




% 




H 




^^H 


1 




tfA„ 


EMi 


W,'Lj(:'.-k 


ri 




1 




1 



PT.ATEVIII. NON-SHEDDING ANGORA BUCK. 

Property of the author; raised by Mr. J. D Hunter. Junction City, Kimble County, 

To as. He was sheared October 1.5, 1899, and the above photograph was taken 

June 15, 1900, being eight months' growth of fleece. There seemed to be 

very little growth to the mohair, after December 1, until about 

April 1, when it made a second growth. The spot on 

the neck, which appears t > be bare of hair, is 

caused by the shadow from the horn. 



Mr. H. T. Fuchs, of Tiger Mill, Texas, says : 
"The better they are graded up the less different kinds of hair they 
have. I have observed that they are less liable to shed their hair after 
ihey have passed the fifteen-sixteenth grade. I do not have many 
kids that do not shed their first kid hair. I have had, perhaps, as many 
as three per cent, of hornless kids. They are very good shearers, not 
quite so silky, but are excellent for milk, and are very hardy. 



22('> A Nczv Industry. 

"I do not like these goats with two kinds of hair. I think we should 
try and raise them to produce only the long, silky, mohair." 

Mr. J. M. Arnold, of Montell, Uvalde County, Texas, says: 

■'I have never seen any Angoras with fur next to the skin. Some 
of our goats have escaped shearing and passed the shedding season with- 
out casting their hair until fall; but the most of them shed. 

"I do not know that the 'hornless goat' is a freak, and feel sure 
that by using natural hornless bucks and does, their progeny will soon be 
hornless and breed so. We always select our bucks on merit." 

Mr. Jno. Brown, of Sonora, Sutton County, says : 

"With regard to 'non-shedding' goats, I have seen goats that 
shed but very little, hard to be noticed in fact, but they all shed more or 
less. The kids that do not shed their first kid hair, are very rare with me. 
The great majority of them shed. I have had but a few hornless goats. 
I always select bucks both by pedigree and individual merit." 

Mr. W. G. Hug-lies, of Hastings, Kendall County, Texas, 
says : 

"I do not remember ever having seen any Angoras with fur under 
the hair , resembling Cashmere wool, (or 'pushm ' ) nor can I believje 
that it would be advisable to propagate it if found. First, because of 
the difficulty of separating it from the other part of the fleece; second, 
because it would be so light that the cost of raising it would be so 
great, we could hardly expect to get a remunerative price year in and 
year out, owing to the fact that sale for it would largely depend upon 
temporary fashions, and not permanent demand, and fashions are pro- 
verbially fickle. 

"As to goats that do not shed. Most Angoras that have come under 
my notice do not shed, though some will shed one year, and not in an- 
other, I believe that if the goat is poor in the winter and fattens rapidly 
in the spring, it is more apt to shed than if it comes through the winter 
in good shape. The same remarks apply to kids; that is, those that are 
six months or a year old when first shorn. I like to see them retain 
iheir stubble, and believe it to be a sign of thrift. 

"I have noticed in some of the flocks a tendency to grow a fleece 
with considerable oil in it. Those I have seen have invariably had a 
coarser fibre of hair than the 'non-oily' ones, and I have always tried to 
avoid this class of goat, having reason to believe that there is no ad- 
vantage in it, and that the excess of weight is only an unnecessary drain 
on the goat, because if there is no intrinsic advantage to the staple, buy- 
er* must sooner or later discriminate against it, when purchasing, to the 
extent of the shrinkage, just as they now do with wool. My present 
opinion is also largely based upon the same estimate of its value placed 



Breeding — Pasi Experience — Result of Crossifig the AngGra. 227 

by Mr. Schreiner in his very interesting work, 'The Angora Goat,' 
(published by Longmans, Green & Co., New York,) and on similar infor- 
mation which that gentleman very kindly gave me some years before his 
book appeared in print. Indeed, it was largely due to this that I have 
been able to avoid what I now regard as a pit-fall, as our breeders are, 
at present, going through experiences which were gone through years 
ago by the Cape farmers. 

"The latter have tried the excessive oil extreme which is now avoided 
by the best breeders." 

Mr. Wm. M. Landrum, of Laguna, Texas, says : 

"I have never seen an Angora with but one coat of mohair, but often 
an undercoat of kemp. The difference is, 'kemp' is a white, smooth, 
coarse hair, hollow in the centre, with cells, or scales, on the outside, filled 
with glue and transparent oil, in all healthy, fat goats. I have seen goats 
that never shed, and when shorn, would grow hair from the stubble like 
a sheep. I sheared a doe in 1875 on Guadalupe Island, ofT the coast of 
Lower California that measured twenty-two inches long and had grown 
for two years. 

"I have had kids dropped with two and one-half inches of pure mo- 
hair on them, and never shed, any more than a Merino sheep. 

"Regarding bucks. I first look to a goat's ancestors, and if all is 
right, then to the covering and character of fleece, the form, constitution. 
and individual merits generally. 

"I purchased the only hornless buck that ever came to America, 
bred him to 250 does, mostly grades. I think they are a distinct breed, 
for they have no kemp, and only one kind of hair. The one I had was a 
very heavy shearer, but rather too coarse. I sold his hair, generally, for 
wig-making." 

Donghter & Luttrell, Lipan, Hood County, Texas, say : 

"Our observation has been that it is owing to the time of birth of a 
goat, that makes it shed at different times in the spring. We have some 
goats that do not shed at all." 

Tom S. Evans, Exile P. O., Texas, says : 

"If pure-bred bucks are used and the same style of hair, or sire is 
used continually, flocks can be bred to uniformity in hair, and to shed- 
ding, too. If one gets a good buck, who marks his kids, they should 
keep him, and do all they can to get another of same stock and appear- 
ance. The test of all pure-blood animrds is the power to transmit its 
qualities to ils offspring. Most grade animols are better than their sires." 



228 A Nczv Industry. 

Mr. H. B. ]\Iar shall, Austin, Texas, has only seen a very 
few goats that do not shed. 

Mr. B. F. LowTv, Camp San Saba, Texas, has also seen very 
fezv non-shedding goats. 

Col. \\'. \\'. Haupt, of. Kyle, 'j>xas, says, that up to the 
lime he disposed of his goats to 3tlr. W. E. Hughes, he had never 
observed that any of them retained their stubble after shearing 
He always supposed they all shed their fleece regularly. 

Hon. B. L. Crouch, Pearsall, Texas, says: 

"As to the Angora goats shedding iheir fleece my best bred goats 
shed their fleece ever_v spring if not sheared early, and it always seemed 
to me that those thriving most rapidly, shed first, though in this I may 
be slightly in error. But I also observed, that if there came rains in 
October sufficient to make new vegetation abundant, many of my goats 
would shed their fleeces partial in October and November, and for this 
reason I adopted the practice of shearing twice a year — in September 
and March." 

Mr. Geo. \\'. Baylor, ]\Iontell, Texas, says: 

"I have never observed any fur under the mohair. Plenty of goats 
do not shed in the spring. It is generally some goat whose hair is in 
good growing condition when shorn, and it keeps on growing. But it is 
better for them to shed in the spring. They sded sleek in Angora, in the 
spring, as soon as it gets warm, and the green feed comes. I think 
all kids shed their kid, or first hair. They are not born with mohair on 
them. It is rather a coarse hair, more resembling kemp. 

"I have not a hornless goat in mj- flocks. I rather think it a freak. 
In breeding, I first am sure of the pedigree, and then I pick for individ- 
ual merit." 

]Mr. James ]\IcDonald, ^Morrison, Oregon, says : 

"I think condition governs the shedding of an animal. None of 
my kids ever shed their first hair." 

Mr. Geo. A. Houck, Eugene, Oregon, says: 

"I attribute shedding of goats at different periods in the season to 
the condition of the animal. As to goats not shedding at all, I have 
never observed such, but all of my good goafs sprout new mohair almost 



Breeding— Past Experience — Result of Crossing tJte Angora. 229 

as soon as the old stubble sheds off. The kids all shed their kid hair with 
me. I have a tew nannies and wethers without horns, but I consider it a 
freak. These goats I bought from other breeders. My own goats all 

have horns." 

Mr. D. A. ^^'alke^, Carlton. Oregon, says : 

'"My opinion has been that if a goat is very lousy it will shed early. 
and if not, it will shed when it begins to thrive in the spring." 

Mr. Jas. "Wilder, Paskenta, Cal., says : 

"I had three bucks that were noi sheared last spring, ihai carried 
their i5eeces till the shearing in the falL" 

Mr. J. C. Highto^ver. Ruidosa, X. M., says: 

"I have observed that a number of my goats do not shed their hair 
c^fier they shed their first kid hair, and their first fleece of mohair groTvs 
on until they get to be two or three years old, and after they pass that 
age, they shed regularly every year. I have observed, too, that after 
they pass that age that some only shed over a portion of their body. 

Mr. Oscar Tom. Angora, Oregon, says : 

"I have never observ-ed an Angora goat that did not shed. Ji^or any- 
body ese. unless it was dead poor, and would die before the second year. 
Any healthy goat Avill shed in the spring the same as a horse." 

Mr. D. C. Taylor, Lake A'alley. X. M.. says : 
"T have about ^^'X* goats, and but a very few of them shed any." 

Dr. J. R. Siandley. Platte^ille, lovra, sa^-s : 

"I am quite positive about some Angoras not shedding, having ob- 
-er\-ed it often; also Mds that do not shed their £rst kid hair. I have 
seen some few goats that had a double coat, but the under one was kemp." 

Mr. J. C. Hightower, under date of May 3rd, 1900, writes as 
follows : 

"In the questions which I endeavored to answer for 3-ou last tail I 
believe I stated I had not observed any undergrowth of fine wool in 
the goats in this country. I wish to state now, that, since that time I 
have observed such a growth on one of my goats which came from CoL 
Richard Peters' flock in Atlanta. Ga. The animal is a buck ten years old 



230 A Nczv Industry. 

and I send you a sample * of his fleece which you can see has two very 
distinct kinds of hair. The hair was plucked from him while he was 
shedding." 

In a subsequent letter, Mr. Hightower says : 

"The under-hair, as near as I can judge, developes in the winter. 
As to the outer-hair shedding I will say this spring is the first time the 
goat has shed. This year he shed off sleek and clean, the outer-coat as 
well as the under-coat." 

Mr. Jno. S. Harris, of Oakley, Idaho, writes me that when he 
was in Constantinople he saw a sample of mohair that was sent 
by Mr. W. M. Landrum to Mr. Jno. R. Thompson. The mohair 
had been grown in Guadalupe Island, off the coast of Lower Cal- 
ifornia, and was two years' growth. 

With reference to two distinct coats of hair, he says : 

■'I never saw such a goat, but it is quite common for some to have 
more or less 'kemp' in the hair. Some years, a goat will have more, 
and another year it will have much less. It all depends on the condition 
of the goat, and the kind of season we I'ave. 

"After I came back from Angora to California, an old gentleman, 
that lived on the coast at Monterey, wrote to me that he wanted to 
exchange two hundred common goats for two high-graded Angora 
bucks, so I went to see him and his goats. I lived about seventy miles 
on the west side of the San Joaquin. When I looked at his goats, they 
were long-haired Mexican goats, and through curiosity I caught one and 
examined its hair, and it had an undercoating of fur like the Tarsus 
goats. I said to the man the only objection I had to his goats was thai 
they were long-haired. As the party I wanted to trade them to preferred 
short-haired Mexican goats, ss they were more suitable to cross with 
the Angora. He stated to me that when he first took a notion to get 
goats some fourteen years before, he went to the east side of the San 



*The sample of outer-hair, referred to by Mr. Hightower, is about 
twelve inches in length, and quite coarse; the under-hair is very 
line and about four inches i.. length, resembling fur at the base, and 
about one-half the diameter of the outer fleece at the extreme end. 

The hair is very straight and very much like Mal'^ese goat hair, but 
this is doubtless owing to the age of the animal' It was very thought- 
ful in Mr. Hightower to call attention to this matter, and it is quite 
evident that the animal is a descendant of the "Cashmere" goat. 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. 231 

Joaquin and bought him two hundred head of Mexican goats. The hair, 
at that time, of these goats was short, and every generation with him 
the hair was getting longer. He showed me hair he had clipped ofif his 
goats for the making of hair rope, that was eight inches long. Now, 
according to my opinion, it is climate that influences and controls every 
thing that lives, man or beast, trees and herbs, of every kind. What 
I mean by climate, is the air, water and the elements that are in the 
earth." 

Bearing upon this question, the following letter from Mr. 
John Kennedy, a prominent breeder of sheep and Polled-Angus 
cattle, in Menard County, Texas, will be of interest : 

"Deervale Ranch, Menard County, Texas. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black: 

"Dear Sir — Referring to 'non-shedding' Angora goats, I have never 
observed such an animal that I know of, but I can see no good reason 
why such a type should not exist. We have, in our sheep family, a very 
great variety of wool-bearing animals, and I should think the same 
peculiarity would be entirely natural with the mohair goat. The Cheviot 
sheep, for instance, always sheds its fleece, and so does the Lincoln, and 
perhaps others that I have had no particular acquaintance with, but,, 
with the types I have mentioned, I have had more or less experience 
in Scotland, and I know it is natural for them to shed off their wool 
every spring, and it is the custom always to wait until the new wool 
begins to grow before shearing them. If they are not sheared the wool 
will peal off in flakes, and will very soon all disappear, and the new 
growth take its place. 

"With some varieties of sheep, this is not the case, as, for instance, 
the Merino, and the Shropshire, which will hold their wool from year to 
year, and, as above stated, I see no reason why there should not be a 
type of the same character in the Angora goat family. 

"I consider the matter a very important one, and shall watch the 
result of your experiments with great interest. 

"Yours truly, 

"JNO. KENNEDY." 



"HORNLESS ANGORAS." 

The hornless type is not so remarkable as they are known to 
exist in Turkey, yet are very rare, both in South Africa and 
this country. 



Mr. Schreiner says : 



232 A Neiu Industry. 

"There are other varieties in the modern Angora, due, I believe, 
to the original Angora having been crossed w^ith other breeds. For 
instance, Conolly says: 'A curious statement made to us at Angora was, 
that only the white goats which have horns wear their fleece in the long, 
curly locks that are so much admired; those that are not horned having a 
comparatively close coat, I can not add anything to this statement, not 
having had the point suggested when I was farming goats, but Mr. 
Binns says it is devoid of fact. It may, however, be remembered that the 
female of Capra Aegagrus is occasionally hornless, though I cannot see 
that this has any bearing on the statement made to Conolly. It will 
be interesting if observant men engaged in the industry will notice if 
hornless goats (which, by the way, are very rare in this colony) have not, 
as a rule, the curled locks in so pronounced a degree as those that are 
horned. This peculiarity, if it does exist, may not, of course, be due to 
the influence of some cross; the variations may simply be collateral. 
Further, crossing has been so universal and has had such an overwhelm- 
ing effect that a variation which might have been pronounced in 1840 
(the date of Conolly's paper), might be almost obliterated now, espec- 
ially in the Cape, where the Boer goat has exercised such a powerful 
and far-reaching influence." See Schreiner, p. 100. 

Br. Bachman says : 

. "In the northern provinces of China there are goats of a small size 
which yield wool as abundantly as the sheep of the same country. Ex- 
tending over the varied surface of Hindustan, the goats assume a 
prodigious diversity of color, aspect and form. Sometimes they have 
horns, and sometimes they are destitute of them; sometimes they have 
long, pendulous ears; sometimes they have a short fur, like that of a 
fawn, and sometimes fine, silky hair, falling in glossy ringlets on each 
side of the dorsal line. The largest of the goats of Hindustan are brought 
from Cabul, Thibet, and the highlands of Persia. The varieties in form, 
color, and quantities of pelage, under which these various breeds of goats 
are presented will account for the great difference in the figures of what 
are called Cashmere goats. The same may be said of the Thibet shawl, 
and the Angora goats. In a word, they are all of one species, but under 
many varieties; breeds have become permanent, and some are infinitely 
more valuable than others. Local names have attached to these various 
breeds, many of which are still confined to the herdsmen of the East. 
To the farmer, the possession of the most valuable breed of goats is of 
far more importance than the name by which it is designated." (See 
Agtl. Dept. Report, 1857, p. 58.) 

Mr. Diehl imported a hornless Castomboul buck in 1870, 
which was sold to Mr. Wm. M. Landrnm, who took it to Cali- 
fornia. Mr. Landrum writes me on this subject, as follows: 




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Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. 285 

"I selected two bucks from the Diehl & Brown importation, one of 
which was the celebrated Castomboul hornless buck which sheared twenty 
pounds, but too coarse for any use but for making wigs. I bred him only 
one year, mostly to graded ewes." 

"In Fitzinger's Natural History (German), figures 212-315, 
there are four good views of the hirctis capra pillosa, the rough- 
haired domestic goat, the Cashmere, and the Thibetian, in which 
the Cashmere is represented with a black neck and white face, 
almost straight, round, pointed horns, long, coarse, white 
hair, tail six inches long; while the Thibetian goat is repre- 
sented with a long smooth neck, a shape-like head, hornless, 
short hair, with an immense udder, indicative of a sood milker 
rather than a fleece-bearing animal." (See Agtl. Dept. Report, 
1863, p. 221.) 

Mr. S. S. McKibben, of Earlham, Madison County, Iowa, 
secured a hornless goat from a lot he had purchased in Texas, 
and, having a preference for polled stock of all kinds, he con- 
cluded to breed him to see if he would breed true to type. His 
first experiment was in the spring of 1898, with eight horned 
does, and the result was seven hornless kids, and one that 
had horns. 

Mr. McKibben writes me the following description of this 
animal, which he has name "Dewey," and whose pho- 
tograph is here given : 

"Earlham, Iowa, Sept. 10, 1899. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Fort McKavett, Texas: 

"Dear Sir — Referring to my hornless buck, 'Admiral Dewey,' he 
was dropped in the spring of 1898, and came to me with a lot of Angora 
goats that were shipped from Texas, in July of that year. I concluded not 
to sell him, as I had a preference for polled stock of all kinds, and was 
anxious to see if I could perpetuate the type. At the age of about eight 
months, 'Dewey' showed to be a very well developed animal, and was much 
larger and heavier-boned than any of the horned goats of the same age. 
In December of 1898, I bred him to eight horned does, and they dropped 
eight very finely developed kids, the May following, seven of which were 
hornless, and very much like 'Dewey' one had the same kind of (lop) 
ears like the does, the remainder having (fox) ears, like himself. 

"I herewith enclose you a photograph showing 'Dewey' and two 
of his kids. I shall breed, him in December to about seventy- five does/^ 
and feel quite confident the result will be equally as favorable as above 
stated. 



SS6 A Nezv Industry. 

"Referring to the general disposition of 'Dewey' I would state he 
is very gentle, and never shows the slightest inclination to fight, or buck, 
which is a common characteristic with the horned goat, often resulting 
in the breaking of a leg by hooking each other in play. 

"The hair of 'Dewey' is of a wavy character, very fine in fibre, and 
well distributed over the entire body. It grows to about the length of 
eight to ten inches. Dewey promises to be much larger than any goat 
I have ever seen, and I shall not be surprised if he should reach a weight 
of 175 pounds. Yours truly, 

"S. S. McKIBBEN." 

To my own mind, it is not surprising that these different 
types of Angora goats exist, for it has been the experience of 
all cross-breeding of domestic animals, in the past that, some 
new type has cropped out from time to time, which, when pre- 
served, and bred with care, has been developed into a distinct 
breed. 

Darwin says : 

"The many breeds of dogs and cattle may arise from more than one 
species, but probably those of horses and fowls; and, clearly those of 
rabbits, ducks and pigeons are each descended from a single species. 
In this respect the breeds of pigeons are of peculiar importance, since not 
only carrier and tumbler, runt and barb, pouter and fan-tail, but at 
least a score of varieties might be chosen which differ so thoroughly, 
internally, as well as externally, that an ornithologist treating them as 
wild birds would be compelled to grant them specific, and even distinct 
generic, rank. Yet, since all these have indisputably arisen from the 
wild rock dove {Columba livia) it is clear that naturalists, who admit 
a unity to such domestic races, which professed breeders have often 
laughed to scorn, should, in tin^n, be cautious before deriding the unity 
of wild ones. 

"How then have domestic races been produced? By external con- 
ditions, or habits, alone. One of their most remarkable features is, in 
exhibiting adaptation, not to their own good, but to man's use or fancy 
We know that all the breeds were not produced as perfect as we now see 
them, and the key is man's power of accumulative selection; nature gives 
successive variations, man adds them up, making for himself useful 
breeds. 

"Skilful breeders speak of the organization as plastic and under 
control, and have effected extensive modifications within our own gen- 
eration. Unconscious selection, which results from every one trying to 
possess and breed the best individuals, is even more important. This 



-237 




S. S. McKIBBON. 
Showing one of his Hornless Kids, four montlis old, 



Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. 239 

accumulated change explains why we so often cannot recognize the wild 
parent stocks of our cultivated plants, while its absence in countries 
inhabited by uncivilized man, explains why these never yield plants 
worth immediate culture. Man's power of selection is facilitated by keep- 
ing large numbers, in which variations are more likely to occur. Facility 
in preventing crosses is also of importance, as of pigeons, contrasted with 
cats; some species are, however, less variable than others, e. g., the 
goose." 

He also says: 

"A race of cattle called 'Dutch buttockcd,' was formed in Yorkshire 
by selecting in each generation the animal with the largest hind quar- 
ters. When the breed began to be established, it was found that the 
large size of the calves' hind quarters increased the dangers of parturi- 
tion to a considerable extent. This case is interesting as showing that 
hurtful peculiarities may be inherited just as leadily as those which are 
beneficial, and, as bearing witness to the improbability of the view that 
there is an innate tendency to vary in the right direction." 

In his work on the "Orig-jn of the Species," this renowned 
naturalist says : 

"I have discussed the probable origin of domestic pigeons at some, 
though insufficient length, because, when I first kept pigeons, and watched 
the several kinds, well knowing how truly they breed, I felt fully as much 
difficulty in believing that since they had been domesticated they had 
all proceeded from a common parent, as any naturalist could in coming 
to a similar conclusion in regard to the many species of finches, or 
other groups of birds, in nature. 

"One circumstance has struck me much, namely, that nearly all the 
breeders of the various domestic animals, and the cultivators of plants, 
with v/hom I have conversed, or whose treatises I have read, are firmly 
convinced that the several breeds to which each has attended are de- 
scended from so many aboriginally distinct species. Ask, as I have asked, 
a celebrated raiser of Hereford cattle, whether his cattle might have not 
descended from long-horns, or both from a common parent stock, and he 
will laugh you to scorn. I have never met a pigeon, or poultry, or duck, 
or rabbit fancier, who was not fully convinced that each main breed was 
descended from a distinct species." (See "Origin of the Species," p. 2.3.) 

Bnt is quite unnecessary, I think, to dwell upon this, for it 
is known to all American and English breeders that most of 
our present line types of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, have 
Ijeen produced by selecting the finest specimens and breeding 
them separately. Some may have originated from so-called 



2JfO A Nezv Industry. 

sports, or freaks ; but, is it not reasonable to believe that these 
sports or freaks, would not have been produced, if it had not 
been for the cross-breeding which had been followed before ? 

In the face of such convincing testimony as I have referred 
to, it is idle, in my opinion, for anyone to undertake to describe 
a "thoroughbred Angora goat" at this time. An animal with 
wavy hair, measuring six inches in length, and with fox-like ears, 
may have as much right to that proud title as one which has 
hair hanging in beautiful ringlets twelve or fifteen inches in 
length, with long pendant ears. 

The valuable American Merino sheep of today bears but 
little resemblance to the Spanish Merino which was improved 
by careful selection of the best types ; and, the French Ramboul- 
let owes its origin entirely to the same course of breeding. 

Mr. Henry Stewart, in his recently (1898) published 'work 
on "The Domestic Sheep," says : 

"Every existing breed of sheep has been differentiated from the wild 
race by human agency." (See Stewart, p. 239.) 

It is therefore quite possible to bring about the same result 
with the mohair goat, if the same caie is exercised in selecting 
and breeding. 

Mr. Bachman, in concluding his report on the "Davis" 
goats, says : 

"Since it possesses the characteristics of all the other domesticated 
animals, we have reason to believe, that, by judicious breeding and devot- 
ing to this subject the same attention that breeders in England bestow 
on their horses, cattle, sheep and swine, an equal number of improved 
varieties will be produced. We are, at present, unacquainted with any 
superior variety of goat, with which this might be crossed to improve 
the fineness of the wool. Improved individuals, however, spring up in 
these varieties themselves, without any foreign admixture; and, by select- 
ing these, and separating them from the common stock, we have at once 
a new breed, which soon becomes a permanent race. 

"Let us, in these matters, follow the teachings of Nature, in all her 
departments. How were the varieties of Sea Island cotton, or large 
rice, or prolific corn, wheat, etc., produced? A few stalks of these 
superior qualities were detected in the fields. Thus far it was the free 
gift of a beneficent Creator. Man, his agent, now sekcted and cultivated 
them separate from the others. Thus, a valuable variety was obtained 



Breeding — Past Experience— Result of Crossing the Angora. Sff.1 

that may, by proper care, be perpetuated. In the 'Courier des Etats 
Unis,' we have a long and interesting account of a Merino sheep in 
France, which, instead of wool, produced fine silken hair. The breed 
was perpetuated, and goes under the name of 'Cashmere sheep.' 

"At the Universal Exhibition, in Paris, it was affirmed by the 
judges of one of the shawls made of this hair that 'they found this (as 
they named it) native Cashmere, as soft and as brilliant as the imported 
and that it was superior to the latter on account of its regularity of detail." 
(See Agtl. Dept. Report, 1857, p. 65.) 

WEIGHT OP CARCASS. 

Is an important feature that should not be lost 
sight of by the American breeder. The reports I have 
received upon this subject, which may be found in detail under 
the head of "Notes From Practical Breeders," indicate the 
weights of Angora goats as ranging from 75 pounds up to 175 
pounds. It is manifestly to the best interest of the industry that 
as large an animal as possible should be propagated, and it is well 
that breeders should keep this in view, when it is possible to 
combine it without too large a sacrifice of the more important 
essential, a good class of combing mohair. 

In a letter from Mr. S. S. Brannin, of Marysville, Mont., 
he says : 

"There is no doubt but what they grow larger in the Northern 
country, than farther South, as my three-year-old muttons average ten 
to fifteen pounds more than in New Mexico, where I brought them from. 
I have also noticed an increase in quantity, and quality, of mohair. 

"I made a trip, last summer, through the western part of this State, 
for the purpose of learning what I could of the wild goat. We suc- 
ceeded in finding a good many, and killed one so as to more closely 
examine them, and I find they are a genuine goat in every particular. 
The great'^st difference from the domestic goat being in the head and face 
which is much longer and thinner. They are much larger, however, the 
bucks weighing as much as three hundred pounds. In color they are en- 
tirely white, and in winter they are covered with an immense coat of 
fine wool, with long, coarse hair on the neck, legs, and withers. The 
bucks have a long beard under the chin. Horns are black, and smaller 
than the domestic goat. Legs are short. Feet near the size of a yearling 
calf. They inhabit the high rocky ranges, their habits being exactly the 
same as that of the tame goat. 



21^2 A Neiv Industry. 

"A person will have no trouble in locating their range as the country- 
is completely strewn with wool. I send you herewith a sample of this 
wool." 

It would, indeed, be interesting" to see what a cross from this 
wild species with an Angora goat would resuU in, and it is to be 
hoped that some of the breeders in Montana, or neighboring 
Territories, will endeavor to make this experiment. (See Ap- 
pendix for plate and particulars of the Rocky Mountain goat.) 



CHAPTER XIX. 

CROSS BREEDING, OR HOW TO GRADE UP THE 
■'MEXICAN" GOAT. 

The "Mexican" goat consists of three very cHstinct varie- 
ties, which are mixed in color, the white predominating. As a 
rule, they are thin bodied, leggy, and have very much the shape 
of a Mexican sheep. One of the varieties has short, coarse hair, 
but bright and glossy. Another has short hair, which has a dead, 
"kempy" appearance ; and the third has long, straight hair, some- 
times five or six inches, and is undoubtedly a descendant of the 
Maltese. It is advisable always to avoid this latter kind, as they 
are hard to improve. Indeed, it is next to an impossibility to 
completely change their character. Many breeders, especially 
in the early day, have attempted it, doubtless attracted by their 
long hair, which, although coarse in fibre, is very pretty and 
glossy, and would seem to indicate a near relationship with the 
long-haired Angora, but they are no kin at all, and the fact of 
their having retained their individuality for several centuries, in 
Mexico, where they have been bred and interbred with the short- 
haired goat, is very strong evidence of their great strength of 
blood. 

Col. J. Wash. Watts, of South Carolina, appears to have had 
some experience with this kind of goat, he says : 

"I began with the milk goat; had two varieties — the long-haired 
'Maltese,' and the short-haired 'South American.' About the year 1872 
I came in possession of three 'Angoras,' one buck and two does, obtained 
from the Hon. D. Wyatt Aiken, our member of Congress, who got 
the buck from Col. Peters, of Georgia, and a splendid animal he was. 
The does were from the flock of the late Hon. W. H. Stiles, ex-Minister 
to Austria, who made an importation about the year 18G0. I bred the 
buck to my milk goats; the result was a beautifid lot of large, well- 



21i.Jt. A Neiu Industry. 

formed half-breeds, showing no fleece. He was bred to his kids the next 
fall, which produced a pretty animal with considerable fleece, which grew 
to be about three inches in length. Those descended from the short- 
haired goat had a much more uniform fleece than those from the long- 
haired goat; and, some of those retained their long, straight hair through 
the fourth and fifth crosses." 

Col. Watts attributes the difficulty in improving the Mal- 
tese goat to the fact that, "it is easier to breed up a fleece than to 
change one," which is a very reasonable conclusion. 










MEXICAN DOE, WITH TWO ANGORA KIDS. 

Dr. Hayes calls attention to the experience of M. de la Tour 
de Aigues, president of the Royal Society of Agriculture of 
France, who, in 1787, introduced some hundreds of the Angora 
goats into Europe under care of Turkish shepherds, where they 
greatly prospered. He affirms that : 

"Even after the sixteenth generation the hair of the crosses, obtained 
by crossing the Angora buck with the female of the common goat, 
remained hair; and, although it was elongated, it could not be spun; 



Cross Breeding — Grading up the "Mexican" Goat. '2JfO 

and, although they procreate with our goats, we can never hope tc 
multiply them by crossing the races, because the vic-2 of the mother is 
never effaced. 

"If some individuals approach more or less the race of the sire, 
the hair will always be shorter, and too coarse to be worked." (See 
Hayes, p. 25.) 

At the time (1868) that Dr. Hayes pubhshed the first. edi- 
tion of his work on the "Angora Goat, Its Culture and Pro- 
ckicts," he was decidedly of the opinion it was not possible to 
cross the "Angora" upon any of the lower species of goats suc- 
cessfully. He was undoubtedly influenced in his judgment by 
the opinion of that eminent breeder of sheep, Dr. Randall, who 
always maintained that : 

"Base blood runs out rapidly by arithmetical calculation; but, prac- 
tically it stays in, and is ever and anon cropping out by exhibiting the 
old base characteristics, in a way that sets all calculations at defiance." 

He also referred to the illustrious naturalist, M. de Quatre- 
fages, who had recently discussed, in his lectures at the Museum 
d'Historie Naturelle, and in the Revue des Deux Mondes, the 
principles which govern the formation of races, thus: 

"There is one law in crossing which is constantly verified: each of 
the two authors tends to transmit to the products, at the same time, 
all its qualities, good or bad." (See Hayes, p. 21.) 

But this same high authority also says, and Dr. Hayes 
quoted it immediately following the above, but does not seem 
to have been at all influenced by the opinion that 

"When the power is equal in the two parents, the product will have 
an equal mixt'ure of the qualities of the parents; there will be a pre- 
dominance nf the qualities of one, where this power of transmissabilit'i 
is unequal. 

"The inequality of the power appears to be much greater when the 
races are nearest each other; for, sometimes, the crossing between such 
races gives a product which seems to belong entirely to one of the two." 

In a subsequent addition of his book (1882) he admits the 
error he had been led into, and frankly says : 

"The facts at my command in 1868, seemed to justify the adoption 
of the theory of pure breeding; but, theory must yield to inexorable facts. 
I, independently, came to the conclusion, in 1877, that 1 had pushed the 



2Ji('> 



A Nczv Industry. 



theory too far, by the observation of a remarkable commercial fact: 
The Messrs. Bowes, in their statistics of wool in 1876, referring to the 
acclimation, in the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, of the Angora 
goat, and the production of mohair, say: 'The progress made during the 
last dozen years has been very satisfactory, not only as regards the 
quantity produced, but the quality, which has been very much improved. 
The first shipment was made in 1865, and consisted of 6,804 pounds; 
in 1869 two hundred and forty-five thousand pounds were shipped; and, 
in 1870, the quantity reached one million, two hundred and ninety-eight 
thousand, four hundred and fifty-five pounds.' 




"It was evident to me that this quantity, at four pounds of fleece to 
each, requiring over 300,000 head, could not have grown upon pure 
animals, as they could not have been procured in sufficient numbers; 
and, that it must have been the product of graded animals. 

"A conclusive test of the quality of the mohair thus produced, was 
the fact that it became a regular article of export, or a marketable pro- 
duct." (See Hayes, p. 50.) 

It was quite -reasonable for Dr. Hayes to have formed the 
opinion that he did, in 1868, after reading of the experience of 



Cross Breeding — Grading up the ''Mexican" Goat. 21^7 

M. de la Tour cle Aigues. There had been Httle or no advance- 
ment made in the industry, either in South Africa or the United 
States, up to that time ; and, it was cjuite natural that he should 
have shared the opinion of those who had made the experiment 
in France. The only explanation that can be advanced for the 
failure of M. de la Tour de Aigues is that, the "Maltese" goat was 
the foundation upon which he was trying to build up his flock 
of grades. 

PLATE XII. 




THIRD CROSS CN THE MEXICAN GCAT BY A THOROUGHBRED ANGORA BUCK. 

.-V iliffereiK-e will be observed i'l the ears, while the tieeee is 
praetieally the same on all tlii-ee. 

The short-haired "Mexican," that presents a dead, "kempy" 
appearance is much more difficult to improve than the bright, 
"glossy" variety, a fact which will doubtless explain the great 
difference in time taken by, some raisers in this country to 
grade up their goats. It is quite common to hear of goats 
having been bred up to a condition of absolute freedom from 



.HS 



I \,,v' liuliislry. 



kcmp, Willi ll\r (IK-.M'S, wIllK' ollhl;. ll.l\r ll.lil (.1 lOlllfllil 
Willi .1 '.liiMk <>l rn.U'.t' li.in .iloii:' llir iiri k .iml Imi klmiir, m mi 
I 111' Ikliik'. ,11 111 liiuil i|ii.ii U-i :., Ii >i .!•. ui.iiu .1:. Uii 1 1 1 1'.r.r-., w il luMlt 
twtii lluii Imiu;' .il>lr 1.1 >'iiliirl\ uiuovi' il, wliuli is. 111 .ill 
pi I ili.iliilil \ , ilur ii> llu- II,'. i- t>l llu' ill'. hi, "ki'iiipN " \,iiirlv. 

Ill '..'111 I Hi!' I. 111. ill':, Il 1'. Will 111 ii'ii'il .ill poiuh sli.ipnl 
,1111111, il,'., .iiiil v'liiU'.u 1 11 (0 >,;i'l .1:, kiij'.i' .uul .ir. iiiiiliMiii .1 li>l .IS 

possible, 

l'l..\'l'lil Ml, 




FOURTH CROSS ON Ttll' Ml \ir>\N r,0.<\T I^Y A THOKXUIUHIARI-^P ANUOR,'\ PUCK, 

'0\\»> xtuwt' illlViU'oiiiH- will liii ivli«orv(nl \\\ tl>t> cnw i>l' lUiwii tuvln>i\U 
im i,l\n\vi\ \\\ {\\\\ H\lvtl o\'»Sh, 

C\>K>r i.s not iiu|>im i.iul .ir, .i M.uk iku' will piiuliui' .1 wliilr 

kill Willi .IS mill 11 iv'll.lUllN ,1', .1 willli' iMlv' will, pii'NliK'il llu" 

\iim>i.i I'lu k has Lk-cii .Miltuu-ullv uupu'vi^l lo 1h- pu'pou-iii. 



Till' ^.v'K'v iiiMi i>l .1 siu- IS, lUiK'v'il. llu- kv'\ ii> llu- wIikIo .sil- 

M,Hli)|l 11 ,1 l>i>iM iMli- 1-, i'llll>li>\ Til, llllPl i>\ I'llU'lll will lu- ;-loW' 



('ro.S'i lili'i'ilnty ', I ltd my u /> llir " Mc.lii till" '.mil "li'.l 

.iimI liK'fioojf, aij'i if ,'i. ^'^O'l OIJ'' JfS iist'.'l, lie- ' li.ioi'/ m l|j<' 
rharactt'i' of the o/iimon i';o;i( v/ill Ic i/i;)i v< I'yu'.ly );i)/)'l. 

Col, Jii<-|)ar'l f'etiirs states ; 

"i}\\f, f)\ Ux; nfosl vaiiiahle, interesthig an4 r«))/;fil<!ibJ<: Uiid;? </» i)j<-. 
Angora is (l)« capi'liiy with vviiicl) /leftc^-lK-arinH: yoaU can ij« obtained 
by using iborougbb/'-d bucks to cros? on tb« common short l)air«4 
<'we goals of t))c country. The second cross produces a goat with a ski» 
vauled for rugs, m;its and gloves, The fifth cross (known by many 
breeders as full, hloodij) will yield a fleece not inferior t/> nmch of th« 
niohair imported from Asia Minor, The fifth cross can be readily 
<dHained in five or six years, Thoroughbred bucks should always be, 
used, because the proge/jy of the so-called full-|)lood l>ucks vary grejitly, 
and the upw-'od progress is by no njeans satisfado) y." (\-,n- H.-jyi^s, 
p./) I.) 

The ii'y\i\ " j u.lt hlunil," in of Ain'Tiran origin; as ii\>\)\\e(\ to 
goat»; at least, Jt is connnonly used by ouiny l>reeders at the 
present fimf, and I aio not sure but it is a )\i\u\\ innve. appropriate 
term iIj;iij "pwc-hrt'il," for it is yttvy doubtful if there is one 
absolutely pure-bred Augom goat in the world, i» the strict sense 
of the term, owing' to the comnion custom of cross-breeding that 
has been practiced in Ttu'key, Soufh Africa, and our own coinitry 
for the past fifty years. There is no doubt that, when the ter>n 
was first l)rought into use (aljout I870j, it was for the purpose 
of leading ig/iorant buyers to believe (hat such animals possessed 
all the qualities ol a "pur«-bfed," or "thoroughbred," The three 
ternis l>eing synonyj))ous made the. practice a species of decep- 
tion, lK>r'lering closely on lo frau'l,and it is, no doul)t, responsible 
for the failiu'e th,'it ;itt<-n^j(/l the efforts of \ii'.iMy of our early 
breeders, 

lint there is no reason why fb'ie hhoul'J not be a great many 
Angora goats in the United States now that Ijave l>een bred up 
to a condition of purity, from slujrt-haired does, equal to any 
'animal that can be iujported from abro-'id, 

'lb'- most essential f';i(ur<- in a buck is that of being 
able lo transmit a strong mohair-producing quality, in the 
fewest number of crosses; and, with all due respect to 
those who hold that, "base bloo'l runs out rapidly, by arith- 
metical calculation, etc.," I f^el u<, hesitation m ^ayin^ we have 



250 A Nnv Industry. 

many cross-bred bucks in the United States today that are super- 
ior to many of the so-called "pure-breds," not alone in the 
power of procreation, but in excellence of fleece as well. 

If, as has been clearly proven by the experience we have had 
in breeding this animal, the coarse, short hair on a common goat 
ran be transposed into a complete covering of mohair, without 
the slightest existence of any of the original hair, commonly 
called "kemp,'' I cannot well understand how it is possible for any 
of the original base blood to remain in the animal. 

I am certainly supported in this opinion by the illustrious 
naturalist, M. de Ouatrefages, quoted by Dr. Hayes, who says : 

"When the power of transmissibility is equal in two parents, the 
produce will have an equal mixture of the qualities of both; but, where 
one predominates in certain ciualities over the other, the ppwer of trans- 
missibility will be unequal. 

'The inequality of the power of transmissibility appears to be much 
greater when the races are nearest each other, for sometimes the cross- 
ing between such races gives a product which seems to belong entirely 
to one of the two." (Hayes, p. 22.) 

If any evidence of "kciup'^ can be found on the animal it is, 
in my judgment, an indication of impurity and such a sire should 
be rejected; but, as before stated, if he is covered all over with 
nothing but mohair, there is as much certainty of such a sire 
begetting his like as there would be if he could trace his lineage 
to the original sire of the Angora race. 

I am aware of the fact that in making this statement I set 
at defiance the opinion of many of our old and able breeders who 
take a different view of it — as for instance. Col. J- A\ ash. Watts 
of South Carolina, who says : 

"I would not breed from a graded male at all if I wished to attain 
perfection." (See Hayes, p. OG.) 

And Col. Richard Peters' opinion was : 

"It is a fact that, no breeder, however experienced he may be in 
raising the Angora, can, by his eye, select a so-called full-blood from a 
flock of thoroughbreds, but the get of the full-blood buck will, invariably, 
enable any intelligent shepherd to detect the fraud upon the thorough- 
bred." (See Hayes, p. 96.) 



251 




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Breeding — Past Experience — Result of Crossing the Angora. 253 

But, I would remind the reader that, nearly twenty years 
have elapsed since the eminent authorities referred to, expressed 
these opinions, and that it is not unreasonable to believe there 
has been great changes made in the character of the "full-blood" 
during this long period of time. 

Referring- to Turkey, Mr. George Gatherall, of Constanti- 
nople, says : 




PLATE XV. 



'FULL-BLOOD" YEARLING ANGORA BUCKS. 
Showing different kinds of ears. 



"It has been, and still is, the custom to cross the black, or brown, 
or, white, straight-haired goat with the mohair goat, to give the latter 
a stronger physique, the fifth cross being considered thoroughbred." 
(See Schreiner, p. 82.) 

And M. Boulier says the same thing: 

"Purity is regained after in-breeding to five generations, and thus 
describes the effects of crossing, and the gradual elimination of the 
inferior qualities of the Kurd goat in the successive generations: 



251}. A Neiv Industry. 

"1. The cross of a black female with a white buck will present 
a fleece marbled with a yellow color upon an impure white foundation. 
The flanks, the shoulders, and the head, will preserve more particularly 
the marks of the color of the mother, the fineness of the fleece will be 
sensibly ameliorated. 

"2. The cross of this first product with a white buck will cause all 
the dark tints to disappear; the fleece will become white; the shoulders 
and flanks will be covered with wavy ringlets; but the whole line of the 
back and the forehead will remain furnished with coarse, straight hairs. 

"3. On coupling this new cross, alwa3'S with a buck of the pure race, 
we shall obtain a greater fineness in the long ringlets of the flanks 
and shoulders; the dorso-lumbar portion of the vertebral column will 
no longer retain coarse hairs, which will remain, still, on the upper part 
of the neck and forehead. 

"4. A fourth cross, carried on with the same precautions as before, 
will fix a stamp of purity on the product; the coarse hairs will have dis- 
appeared on the forehead and neck. 

"5. The consecutive crossings will render more stable the modifi- 
cations already formed, and already, after the fifth generation, the indi- 
viduals will be able to reproduce as if they were pure blood." (See 
Schreiner, pp. 76-77.) 

Referring to the power of a graded Angora to transmit 
the mohair characteristic, Col. W. W. Haupt expresses his opin- 
ion in the following very logical manner : 

.,;. "That the law of astavism applies to cross-breeds is not doubted. 
But, if in two species of animals, of inter-breeding relations, you could 
find in one of them a trait or feature, which the other did not possess, 
nor ever d/J, then the cross-breed, from these two species, could only inherit 
this feature from the parent which did possess it, and none whatever 
from the parent which did not. Let the mohair of the Angora represent 
this feature, aiid the common goat, which we will assume to be the 
mother in this case, to represent the deficient side. Then, if it can be 
shown that such a feature can be found in animals of the same species, 
and that the cross-breed can not inherit any portion of it from the dam's 
side, and that mohair will not cross with the hair of the dam, don't 
this solve the question that hair, and mohair, are dissimilar, and that, 
the cross-breed cannot breed back toward the dam's side, through his 
progeny, any portion of a feature, none of which he obtained from his 
dam, though he will do so in any other feature common to both, as 
color, form, etc.? And so, in point of mohair, he can impart only that 
which he obtained pure, and unmixed, from his sire. It has been fully 
shown elsewhere, that, whilst the finest bred sheep will cross its fibres 
with a coarse, hairy sheep, and produce a medium wool in the offspring, 



Cross Breeding — Grading up the ''Mexican" Goat. 255 

that mohair will not cross with the hair of the common goat, or the long 
hair of the Maltese goat, showing the two fibres to be unlike, and that 
mohair is implanted in the offspring to the eviction of the hair, and 
through no influence of the dam; and that the mohair, on the first 
cross, is short and fine, proving there 's no cross of the mohair with 
the hair, as is shown in the fibres of the sheep. If these premises and 
conclusions are correct, then it further follows that a cross-bred or grade 
buck will impart an amount of mohair to his offspring in the ratio of 
his grade to a pure-breed; that is, a sixth cross or sixty-three sixty- 
fourth grade will impart to his offspring all the mohair a pure-blood 
would, less the one-sixty-fourth part he lacked of being ptu^e, and that 
what mohair he produces in his offspring, though it would be in less 
quantity, would be equally fine, as from a pure-blood, crossed on the 
same dam. Whilst to other features in the offspring of this sixth 
cross, they would be imparted in proportion as he received them from 
both of his parents. And, continuing on this line, would further say 
that, in a high-grade, the fraction of common blood is so very small in 
a twelfth cross, for instance, being only one in 4,096 parts, that, as 
elsewhere stated, they became the equal, or in fact, pure-bloods, to all 
purposes of mohair." (Southern Farmer, 1889.) 

And I can point to the eminent breeder, Dr. Robt. W. 
Scott, of Kentucky, who, when asked the question "Will high- 
grade bucks known as ''full-bloods," :. e., those of the fifth cross 
and upwards, produce this wool when bred to native females, 
similarly as with pure-bred or thoroughbred bucks? said: 

"This question has been affirmatively settled by the experience of 
every breeder of Angora goats in the United States, so far as I have 
ever known or heard; yet, while similar, yet not so perfectly as the 
pure-bred males, the fleeces which are produced by the full-blood bucks 
being more subject to long and coarse hairs in them than those which 
are pure-bred bucks." (Extract from Atlanta, Ga., Constitution.) 

After referring to a few breeders who were opposed to the 
use of full-blood bucks, one of whom was a Texas grower, who 
stated that "he would not buy a goat if he knew it was a grade, 
and knew it had fifteen crosses in it." (Dr. Hayes very char- 
itably omitted the gentleman's name.) Dr. Hayes says : 

"Let me caution the reader against pushing the . rgument, contained 
in the preceding paragraphs, too far, as I did myself in my original 
essay. I am now convinced that after a provision of a certain supply 
of thoroughbred bucks, the most effectual and profitable means of advanc- 
ing the Angora culture is through a proper use of graded animals." 
(See Hayes, p. 97.) 



256 A Nczv Industry. 

It is not surprising that the early breeders should have 
dreaded the "full-blood" for, I am well convinced, they were 
totally unfitted to be used as sires in many cases ; but there is cer- 
tainly no comparison between the goats of 1870-1880, and those of 
1900. A greater number of breeders are now engaged in the 
industry and greater care has been exercised in improving the 
character of the animal, why then should we not have approached 
closer to purity? 

It is, perhaps, proper that I should make myself more fully 
understood with reference to the use of bucks that show "kemp." 
As has been shown by the testimony of several authorities, this 
feature is gradually removed by proper breeding with males 
that do not possess any kcmp and it ought to be entirely eliminated 
by the fifth crossing — which, however, applies to "kemp" that 
usually shows on the neck, or backbone, the shoulders and 
flanks. But there is another kind of hair which is called "kcmp" 
by many, and is referred to by Dr. Scott in the description that 
he gives of a purc-hrcd Angora, Viz: 

"Like some furred animals these goats wear two distinct and dif- 
ferent suits of clothing", and mainly at different seasons. One is short, 
stiff, coarse, and of no commercial value; the other is long, in proportion 
to the degree of blood, and is lustrous, soft, silky and elastic." (Sec 
Hayes, p. 64.) 

It does not necessarilly follow that such goats as these are 
impure, and while I dotibt very much if there are any such 
animals in the United States at the present time (Dr. Scott wrote 
the above description about 1881 or 1882), if any should exist 
and a breeder of reputation can give asstu'ance that the animal 
had been bred true to his type for a long time, the mere presence 
of this undercoating of coarse hair is in no way detrimental to 
the animal as the hair is so short as not to mix with the mohair 
when the animal is shorn. 

And while I agree perfectly with all Col. Haupt has said, 
with reference to the power of a graded goat to impress his 
progeny with as much of the mohair qualities as he possesses, 
my conviction is that any animal should be rejected as a sire 
that shows coarse, "kcnipy" hair on the neck or mane, the back- 




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Cross Breeding — Grading up the "Mexican' Goat. 259 

bone or flanks. There are plenty of goats that can be had that 
are totally free from these objections,, and it is always safer to 
select animals that 'do not show them. 

The fleece of a breeding sire should be well distributed 
over the whole of the body, on the chest, and belly. 

The greater the weight, of course, the more rapidly will the 
mohair seed be implanted in the hide of the common goat. The 
character of the fleece whether wav}- or in ringlets, creamy or 
white, is altogether a matter of fancy. Weight of fleece, com- 
bined wdth fineness, lustre, and length of fiber, are the chief 
essentials. The most salable length is six inches and above, 
which is known in the trade as ''combing mohair." 

The character of horns is not material ; or, the tuft on the 
forehead. The latter is very pretty, and is an undoubted evi- 
dence of great purity of the mohair blood, yet we have many 
equally fine animals that do not show such a growth. 

The size of carcass I think is a feature nearl}^ as important 
as fleece, and should not be overlooked. A big frame is certainly 
more capable of producing a larger amount of mohair than a 
small one; and it should, therefore, be the aim to breed up the 
carcass at the same time as the fleece. 

A breeder should never loose sight of the fact that it may 
sooner or later become necessary to curtail the production of 
mohair, and if he has large bodied animals he can realize more 
for the meat and pelt than if they were small. 

In-breeding is admitted to be a wrong principle except 
in cases \vhere one is endeavoring to fix a certain type ; but it 
does not appear to operate very injuriously with goats, and has 
been recommended by some breeders — at least to a limited 
extent. I think all authorities agree it is best to avoid it where 
it is possible ; and, particularly, if you are aiming for a large, 
strong constitution. 

Style of ear is also a matter of taste. Those that hang 
down, called lop-ears, or semi-lop-ears, are generally preferred, 
though I would not condemn an animal that had the smaller 
fox-ears, provided he had other good qualities ; and, his progeny 
are just as likely to have the lop-ear as not, provided the dam 
has such ears. 



260 A Nczv Industry. 

The shearing capacity of the various grades depends 
entirely upon the character of the sire and the class of does 
used. Always bear in mind that the glossy, short-haired type 
of doe with the heaviest shearing sire obtainable, will yield the 
best results. 

The cost of a buck ought not to influence a breeder when 
he finds what he wants. Breeders in South Africa have paid 
as high as i450, sterling, or $2,250.00 of our money, for a single 
animal ; and, when it is considered that the male is the creator 
of the flock, it stands to reason that his cost is very soon re- 
turned, provided he has the proper qualifications to breed up 
the flock quickly. 

It is a very common error of new beginners to buy cheap 
bucks, sometimes as low as $10.00, which they think ought to 
be enough, but the breeders of fine stock cannot afford to worry 
with this class of animal unless they are paid properly for the 
trouble involved. Very good bucks ought to be had for $25.00 
each, shearing say six pounds, yet I consider an animal with 
extraordinary good points, shearing ten pounds to twelve 
pounds, is cheaper at $100.00 than an ordinary one would be 
at $25.00. 

Wattles will sometimes appear on graded Angoras, though 
T have never observed them on a very highly graded one. They 
are a little sack, like a teat, that hangs under the chin, and may 
be removed without any danger or injury to the animal. It is 
not uncommon for the shearers to clip them off when shearing 
the fleece. 

Beard is common in both the buck and doe, but is greatest 
in the former. There are some instances where the goat 
has had no beard at all. I have never observed such an ani- 
mal myself, though I have noticed that the higher grades are 
inclined to grow a smaller amount of beard in both sexes and I 
have no doubt that it could be easily bred off altogether if it 
was deemed advisable. 




o S 
.3 



CD Q"^ 



O ^^ 



CHAPTER XX. 

PROPER TERMS B^OR ANGORA GOATS. 

It was very common at one time, and is, to some extent in 
the present day, to apply the term "billy," and "nanny," to dis- 
tinguish the male goat from the female, but, in later years, 
some writers use the terms ram and ewe; others buck and 
ewe, while a few will refer to them as buck and doe. The term kid 
seems to have been applied to the young from the very earliest 
period of which we have any record. 

Even in the days of the Patriarchs, Rebekah said unto 
Jacob : 

*"Go now, to the flock, and fetch me from thence, two good kids, 
of the goats, and I will make them savory meat for thy father, such as 
he lik^s." * * * See Genesis xxvii, 9. 

The term "Billy," or "Nanny," is no where to be found in 
the Bible, although frequent reference is made to this class of 
stock, which appears to have been very highly prized by the 
ancients, and were considered quite the equal of the ox and the 
sheep, as food. (See Duet, xiv., 4). Indeed, they must have 
been regarded with greater favor ; for, we find, in Leviticus iii, 
12, that Moses said unto the children of Israel, * * * "and if his 
offering be a goat then he shall offer it before the Lord. * * * 
Again, in Numbers xv, 27, He says : 

"* * * And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring 
a she goat, of the first year, for a sin cfifering. * * *" 

It will be observed that Moses does not refer to the female 
goat as a "Nanny" goat ; and in another passage of scripture 
we find in the book of Ezra vi., 17 verse : 



26Jf A Nciv Industry. 

"* =•' * And offered at the dedication of this house of God, an 
hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and, for a sin 
offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the 
tribes of Israel. * * *" 

Solomon refers to the boldness and strength of the goat, in 
Proverbs xxx, 29 to 31, as follows : 

"* * * There be three things which go well, yea, four are comely 
in going: A lion, which is strongest among beasts, and turneth noc 
away from any; a grey hound; an he goat, also; and a king, against 
whom there is no rising up. * * *" 

This doubtless gave rise to the opinion that the goat is good 
on the defensive, when attacked by dogs or wild animals. 

The prophet, Ezekial, in chapter xxxiv, 17, speaks of 

"* '*' * rams, and he gcats." 
..And in chapter xxxix, 18, he says: 

"* * * Ye shall eat the flesh of * * * rams, of lambs, of goats, 
id of bullocks. * * *" 

And I might qtiote a number of other references to 
goats, in both the Old and New Testament, but I would fail 
to find any mention of a "nanny" or "billy" goat. 

From the quotations I have made it will be seen that the 
term "ram" and "lamb," as now applied to sheep, are of very 
ancient origin ; as are also " ox" and "bullock," which are still 
applied to cattle. But there seems to have been no other 
distinguishing terms for goats tha.n"hc-goat," "she-goat" and" kid."' 
These are quite forcible enough, it is true, and are easily un- 
derstood ; but, the more modern languages seem to call for sepa- 
rate, and distinct, terms in speaking of the sex in our different 
kinds of live-stock, as for instance : Bull, cow and calf for cattle ; 
ram, ewe and lamb for sheep ; boar, sow and pig for hogs, etc. ; 
and, with all due respect to our ancient brethren I think these are 
an improvement on the custom they seem to have adopted for 
goats, for it would certainly sound very peculiar if we were to 
speak of he-cattle, and she-cattle ; he-sheep, and she-sheep ; he- 
hog, and she-hog, which, however, would be quite as proper as 
"he-goat," and "she goat." 



Proper Terms for Angora Goats. 265 

Dr. Hayes, in his work on the Angora goat, in 1883, con- 
sidered the term "buck'' and "cztr" most appropriate. 

Air. Schreiner, in his more recent work, (1898) does not 
seem to have made any special reference to this question and in- 
variably uses the terms ^'raiii," and "cive;" and, sometimes, "An- 
gora ram,"' or "Angora czve," as does also Mr. Binns, an eminent 
Turkish authority, frequently quoted from by Mr. Schriener. 
The distinguished French traveler, M. Bonlier, quoted both by 
Dr. Hayes and Mr. Schreiner, speaks of them as "bucks" and 
"female goats." Col. Scott of Kentucky, and Col. Peters of 
Georgia, appear to have adopted the terms "buck" and "ewe;" 
and, with the ordinary writer, it is common to use any of the 
terms I have mentioned. This is certainly confusing, as will be 
seen by reading over a passage in Mr. Schreiner's work, refer- 
ring to the pIeiu"o-pneumonia epidemic in Cape Colony. He re- 
fers to : 

"Several of Mr. Evans' rams which had so far been healthy, con- 
tracted the disease and died." 

It is left for the reader to decide whether this is intended to 
mean ram-shcep or ram-goats, as I believe Mr. Evans was a breed- 
er of both. And it is not unlikely that, the absence of a distinct 
term for g"oats may sooner or later give rise to much trouble in 
law suits, and it would therefore be well to decide upon a 
proper term as early as possible. 

My personal opinion is that, "buck," "doe," and "kid" 
would be the most appropriate terms which I think are not ap- 
plied to any other class of domestic stock, except the rabbit, 
and deer. 

I prefer these terms, too, because they are applied to deer. 
There is certainlv a greater similarity in the meat of the An- 
gora goat to venison, than to the common "billy" and "nanny- 
goat;" which, when generally known by all lovers of good eat- 
ing, Avill have a tendency to remove much of the prejudice that 
many people have heretofore entertained for the flesh of this 
valuable animal. 

Wether, for the castrated male, will answer every pur- 
pose, to distinguish animals intended for slaughter. 



266 A Nezv Industry. 

Venison would seem to be the more proper term to apply 
to the meat of the Angora, as it approaches the flavor of deer 
meat (when naturally fed) more closely than any other ; and, 
it would seem, we have Biblical authority for so calling it, as will 
appear from the following quotation : 

"And Rebekah spake unto Jacob, her son, saying: Behold, I heard 
thy father speak unto Esau, thy brother, saying: Bring me venison, and 
make me savoury meat, that I may eat and bless thee before the Lord, be- 
fore my death. Now, therefore, my son, obey my voice, according to that 
which I command. Go now to the tlock and fetch me from thence two good 
kids of the goats and I will make them savoury meat for thy father, such 
as he loveth." (Genesis, xxvii; 0-9. ) 



Incidcnlal, or By-Prodncts of the Angora Goat. ^/p 

The quilt I have referred to was made entirely at home, and 
was arranged like patch-work, some square, others diamond- 
shaped, with a few black and yellow skins intermixed with pearly 
white, which gave it a very rich appearance. 

'J'he process for tanning, or dressing, the goat skin is very 
simjjlc and when they arc put in this condition, can be kept in- 
definitely. (See "Formula for Dressing Angora Skins" in ap- 
pendix. j 

Natural shaped skins are preferred by a great many house- 
keepers for rugs, but only the higher grades can be used in this 
form. The lower, grades often show short, or coarse, hair, 
along the line of the back-bone, which presents an uneven ap- 
pearance, when the rug is placed on the floor. The skin should 
be covered evenly to make an attractive rug. 

The lower grades can be better made into shapes for the 
hearth, or for buggy robes, which is done by cutting the skins 
into uniform pieces, and placing them together, so that the hair 
will over-lap, as it does on the animal. 

Saddle pockets are often covered with a piece of Angora skin 
to shed the rain, and are very popular with cow-boys. Indeed, 
a cow-boy thinks his saddle is not fully "rigged" unless it has 
this appendage. The hair, in this case, is usually dyed black, 
or brown, to 'avoid showing dirt, but many use them in their 
natural color. 

Muffs for children are quickly made, as well as boas for the 
neck, or a cape for the shoulders. 

Lace trimming I?, another product of the skin which is very 
commonly used for trimming children's cloaks. This should be 
made from a yearling goat skin, as these are much thinner than 
the older ones, and more easy to sew. The trimming is made 
in narrow strips from one-quarter up to one inch in width, and 
is sold by the yard. 

Lamp mats, for the table, can be made out of the smaller 
pieces, so that very little of the skin need be wasted. 

The fleece can be worked into many useful articles on the 
farm or ranche, and, when a flock is being graded up it will pay 
best to make use of a small clip in this way rather than ship it to 
market, as there are always more or less kempy hairs scattered 



28o A New Industry. 

through low grades, which is objectionable to manufacturers 
of cloth. I know one industrious lady, in Texas, who works up 
her entire clip from a flock of about three hundred head of goats 
in making cinches or saddle girths, which she sells readily for $6.00 
per dozen. Any child, of ordinary intelligence, can soon learn to 
twist the mohair into cords of the proper thickness and weave 
them into the large iron buckles at either end (a pattern can be 
had from any saddlery or harness maker.) They are quickly and 
easily made and are considered superior to any other kind for 
the reason that they do not get hard and stiff after being used. 
Besides the saddle girth, a coarse saddle-blanket can be woven and 
yarn can be made for knitting socks, making blankets, and cloth 
for home use. The stufif is very durable, and, although home- 
made goods are not always so attractive to the eye as machine- 
made, the satisfaction of having them zvear zvcll, compensates 
largely for looks, and finish. 

In Dr. Davis' letter to the U.S. Commissioner of Agriculture 
in 1853, he makes reference to the fact that, "he had worn socks 
six years, made from Angora goat hair, and they were still per- 
fectly sound." There is practically no wearing out mohair goods, 
and, a pair of pantaloons, or a dress, made from it will last as 
long as you care to wear them. The lady referred to above is, 
of the old school ; she has her spinning wheel, and makes her 
own yarn ; and has a home-made loom for weaving cloth. She 
and her children make the girths at odd times during the year, 
and she has often told me that her small flock of Angora goats 
were of more practical value to her than any other class of stock 
she had, as they cost little or nothing to keep, and furnished meat 
and clothing for the entire family, besides a considerable sum of 
money from the sale of saddle-girths. 

Pets. I would not recommend making a pet out of a kid. 
although it is very cute, and can be taught nearly everything but 
to talk. They seem to possess more intelligence than many 
other animals, but are inclined to become very mischievous in 
the house when they get to be a few months old and it is hard to 
control the little rascals. I would not advise you to take one 
from the flock. They will follow, like a dog, and come at the 
call of their name. It is quite common for Mexican herders to 



Incidental, or By-Products of the Angora Goat. 281 

iiave one or more of these pets, which they call "Sancho ;" and 
it is quite amusing to see the little fellows run out of a large flock 
when they hear their names called. Their cry is much like that 
of an infant, and, I have no doubt that this has given rise to the 
Americanism ''Kid," so commonly applied, at the present time, 
to nearly all American children. 

They can be made very useful, however, if well-trained, in 
drawing small wagons, and, in many parts of the world, are 
largely used for this purpose. 

In his paper on "The Goat," the Hon. Israel H. Diehl says : 

"They are not infrequently harnessed to «mall wagons or carts, for 
marketing or pleasure purposes, or made to pack small loads, as beasts 
of burden. Their use and importance have thus become valuable, and in- 
dispensable over large portions of Europe and Asia." (See Agtl. Dept. 
Report, 1863.) 

It is quite common to see trained goats at any of our large 
city parks, but, as a general thing, they are of the common 
species. I am very sure that a considerable profit can be real- 
ized by the sale of trained Angora wethers, owing to their more 
attractive appearance. 

They are often trained to lead sheep into cars when being 
loaded for market ; and, from the stock pens, to the large slaugh- 
tering houses. A notable animal of this kind, called "Judas 
Iscariot," has very recently died, after many years of useful 
service, in Chicago. 

Milking qualities. The milk of the Angora goat is of super- 
ior quality though they do not yield as much as some of the 
common varieties. The Spanish or Mexican goat is, however, 
a very good milker, and many of the Angoras that have been 
crossed with this breed make excellent milkers. In the 
report of Mr. Diehl, above referred to, he says : 

"The 'Scinde,' the 'Maltese,' the 'Assyrian,' the 'Syrian,' the 'Swiss,' 
and other varieties, especially in Europe, have become most valuable 
milkers; and, for convenience and economy to the poor, or where feed 
is high and pasturage scarce, it has, in many places and instances, sup- 
planted the cow, as it is kept about the house almost anywhere. Espec- 
ially about towns and villages and cities, where there are so many vacant 
lots and commons, where they can browse on the coarsest of food and 
herbage, or that which is left, or refused, by the horse, cow or sheep, 
is this the case. 



282 . A Ne%v Industry. 

"The goat, in fact, is an indiscriminate feeder, cropping even pois- 
ccnous plants with entire impunity and rehsh, as there are, comparatively 
lew plants or weeds that are either injurious or poisonous to it, and no 
herbage, leaves or grasses, seem to affect the quality of its milk, only, 
rather to give it ffavor; and, in traveling through Asia, Africa and parts 
of Europe, it is quite common to have the goat brought to the door, 
tent, or camp, and milked for our use in our presence, whenever milk 
was required, giving us the assurance that the milk was. genuine as that 
of goats. It is much used both by travellers, and families, and especially 
by the inhabitants of the tropical, low, marshy, bilious and fever 
countries, as a preventative and cure for those, and other diseases, inci- 
dent to such countries. The medicinal qualities of goat's milk has long 
been known and acknowledged, especially in the old world, and in some 
portions of this country, it being not only very wholesome, but less liable 
to curdle on the stomach; and, by those who have tested the different 
kinds of milk, it is much esteemed, and preferred for tea and cofice, and 
is largely used for children's use, the making of whey, and the various 
medicinal drinks for invalids, especially at the various hospitals, watering- 
places, and institutions of Europe, and a few of our own, where it has 
been duly appreciated. It is also said to be highly beneficial to con- 
sumptives, dyspeptics, and other like invalids. 

"Still, an undue, and unnatural, prejudice has, and .does, exist in the 
minds of many people of this country against, both the animal and the 
use of its milk, but without any good reason. 

"Vaulable varieties of the Asiatic goat have been largely introduced 
into Europe, where they are quite extensively raised, and used for milk, 
from which butter, cheese and whey are made, to a considerable extent. 

"But, notwithstanding, varieties of these goats have been imported 
into the United States by emigrants, and people of this country for their 
own use, the animals have been subsequently neglected, mainly on account 
of the cheapness of cows, and the easy facilities of pasturing them upon 
the extensive public domains, theap pasture lands or commons. 

"But,, as the land has - become occupied, and more valuable, the 
expense of purchasing, a,nd keeping cows has increased, and the value 
of butter, milk and cheese is enhanced by the enlarged demand, .the atten- 
tion of thousands of our people, especially pf the poor, , and . laboring 
classes, has been turned to the breeding, and keeping, of goats;, their 
milking qualities have been igreatly improved and their value so increased 
that we have recently seen common milking- goats bought and sold at the 
price of an ordinary cow, a few years ago, namely, from $10.00 to $25.00, 
and any ordinary milking goat is valued at $8.00 to $10.00. 

(I would state that upon one of my trips to the State of Iowa with 
a lot of breeding goats, I met an Italian who was surprised that we did 
not make use of goats' milk- in Texas. He was then living near Chicago, 
and told me he had paid $10.00 each for a lot of does from which he 
made a good profit in making cheese at 25 cents per pound, and could 



IncidcntaU or By-Prodiictsof the Angora Goat. ' ' 28^ 

not supply the demand for it. Cows are. so abundant in- Texas it is not 
surprising that goats are not used for milking purposes,, but it is a 
fact that, in Mexico, the goat's milk is preferred above that of the cow, 
and the Mexican herders employed on our Texas ranches will go to great 
trouble to get milk from a goat if it is to be had at all, rather than use 
cow's milk.) 

"Mo.st of the milkers give from two to three quarts per day, especially 
if well fed, tethered, and milked tliree times a day. 

"General J. S. Goe, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, ri*ports- an Assyr- 
ian goat in his possession, milking a .gallon per day, after' the weaning of 
its kid. A similar goat, now in possession of the writer, is reported 
to have yielded twenty dollars' worth of milk during the season, after 
selling two kids at $8.00, each. The milk was mainly sold to physicians 
for patients, at ten and twelve cents per quart. A number of the famed 
^Maltese milkers, which we examined, we were assured, yielded nearly 
the same results, and we, have obtained ten cents per quart for some 
from our Maltese. and Cashmere grades, for medicinal "purposes. ' Thus, 
around the suburbs of our large cities, in many of the smaller towns, in 
our coal and mineral regions, and along many of our public works, great 
quantities' of the common goat can be seen in use, while their value 
is being materially enhanced by more attention to good breeding and val- 
uable crosses. Among the most valuable milkers we have, the 'Maltese,' 
the 'Swiss,' the 'Assyrian,' the 'Syrian,' the 'Scinde,' the 'Spanish,' and the 
'Welsh' goats. 

"Under many circumstances, the goat is found more valuable than 
either sheep or swine, as goats will live and thrive where they would 
starve; yielding milk, wool, kids,, mutton and skins. A good goat will 
yield milk nearly all the year, or within a few weeks of parturition, if 
fed and cared for. The kids should be allowed to suck two weeks, and 
then sold, especially the buck kids. : The goat should then yield a quart 
of milk at each milking, or meal, thred times a day,'say at 7 a. m., at noon 
at 7 or 8 p. m. About three months, oubsequent to parturition the supply 
of milk falls ofif to about. two quarts daily, and continues so until within 
about three pionths of the next kidding, when it falls off to about one 
quart a day. The goat should be milked three times daily, in consequence 
of the want of capacity of her udder, for, when the udder becomes 
charged vvitli milk, the goat lies down, ceases feeding, and no further 
secretion of milk takes place; but, relieve her by milking, and she again 
proceeds to feeding, and secretes a fresh supply of milk, far more nutri- 
tious, and nourishing, and easier of digestion than that of the cow. It is 
not generally known that a goat tethered: to a certain spot will yield more 
milk than when permitted to roam at large, without restraint,' but such 
is, nevertheless, the fact. The tether should be attached to a long pin 
driven in the ground, fui-ni'shed with a swivel, in order that entanglemfent 
may be avoided, a'nd shifted where a fresh v supply of herbage may be 
obtained. 



2S4 A Nciv Industry. 

"As goats are often disposed to be mischievous, and trespass upon 
forbidden property, either by climbing or creeping, a yoke may be made 
consisting of three pieces of wood, put over the goat's neck, and fastened 
there in a triangular form, which is found useful to prevent their getting 
through hedges or fences, while a side-line, attaching the fore foot to 
the hind one, of the same side, prevents them climbing or leaping. 

"With these two simple contrivances, a goat may be allowed to go 
anywhere without being able to enter a garden or field. The goat may 
be milked fifteen days after parturition, when the milk is sweet, nourish- 
ing and medicinal, having an agreeable, aromatic flavor, no doubt impart- 
ed by the herbs and wild food upon which it feeds and delights to 
pasture; and this quality renders it peculiarly appropriate for the manu- 
facture of cheese and butter, delicious specimens of which we ate in Asia 
and Europe. 

"There is, perhaps, more difiference among goats than any other class 
of anima.ls, their milk varying both in quality and quantity, the latter 
from one pint to four quarts daily." See U. S. Agtl. Dept. Rept. 1863, 
p. 217. 

Referring to the subject of "goats," the Encyclopedia Brit- 
tanica, says : 

"The value of goat's milk, as a source of household economy, is much 
greater than is generally supposed. This is so well shown by Cuthbert 
W. Johnston, Esq.. in an article in the 'Farmers Magazine.' that we shall 
c:uote from it at some length: 

" 'The comfort derived by the inmates of a cottage from a regular 
supply of new milk need hardly be dwelt on. Every cottager's wife, 
over her tea, every poor parent of a family of children, fed ahiiost entirely 
on a vegetable diet, will agree with me that it is, above all things, desir- 
able to be able to have new milk as a variation to their daily food of 
bread and garden vegetables. The inhabitant of towns, and of suburban 
districts, we all know, is at the mercy of the milk dealer; the milk he 
procures is rarely of the best quality; and, under the most favorable 
circumstances, he receives it with suspicion, and his family consumes it 
with sundry misgivings as to its wholesomeness. 

" 'Having personally experienced these difficulties, and having, about 
three years since, commenced the attempt to supply my family with 
goat's milk, and, as our experience is cheering, I desire, in this paper, 
to advocate the claims of the milch goat to the attention of the cottager, 
and the other dwellers in the suburban, and rural districts. 

" 'Few persons are, perhaps, aware of the gentleness, and playfulness, 
of the female goat, how very cleanly are its habits, how readily it accom- 
modates itself to any situation in which it is placed. Confined in an 
outhouse, turned on to a common, or into a yard, tethered on a grass 
plat, it seems equally content. I have found it readily acommodates 



Incidental, or By-Products of the Angora Goat. 2S[, 

itself to the tethering system, fastened by a leathern collar, rope and iron 
fwivel, secured by a staple to a heavy log of wood. The log is the best 
land this with a smooth, even surface at the bottom) because it can be 
readily moved about from one part of the grass plat to another. The goat, 
too, uses the log as a resting place in damp weather. The goat should 
be furnished with a dry sleeping place, and this, in case of its inhabiting 
open yards, can be readily furnished, anything that will serve as a dry dog 
kennel will be comfortable enough for a goat. 

" 'The milk of the goat is only distinguishable from that of the cow 
by its superior richness, approaching, in fact, the thin cream of cow's milk 
in quality. The cream of goat's milk, it is true, separates from the milk 
with great tardiness, and never so completely as in the case of cow's milk. 
This, however, is of little consequence, since the superior richness of 
goat's milk renders the use of cream almost needless. The comparative 
analysis of milk of the cow, and goat, will show my readers how much 
richer the latter is than that of the former; 100 parts of each, according 
to M. Regnault, gave, on an average: 



Water 












Butter 












Sugar c 


)f milk 
(cheese) 


and 
, alh 


soluble 
umen ai 


salts 




Caseine 


id insoluble 


salts 



Cow 


Goat 


84.7 


82.6 


4.0 


4.5 


5.0 


4.5 


3.6 


9.0 



" 'So that, while the milk of the cow yields 12.6 per cent, of solid mat- 
ter, that of the goat produces 17 per cent. Goat's milk yielding rather 
more butter, rather less sugar of milk, but considerable more caseine 
(cheese) than that of the cow. 

" 'It must not be supposed that the taste of the milk of the goat 
differs in any degree from that of the cow; it is, if anything, sweeter, 
but it is quite devoid of any taste which might very reasonably be sup- 
posed to be derivable from the high-flavored shrubs and herbs upon 
which the animal delights to browse. 

" 'The amount of milk yielded by the goat varies from two quarts 
to one quart per day; it is greatest soon after kidding time, and this 
gradually decreases to about a pint per day, a quantity which will continue 
for twelve months. This is not a large supply, it is true, but still it is 
one which is available for many very useful purposes; and, be it remem- 
bered, that when mixed with more than its own bulk of luke-warm water, 
it is then in every respect superior to the milk supplied by the London 
dairymen. 



286 A Nczu Industry. 

" 'In regard to the best variety of goats to be kept, I would recom- 
mend the smooth-haired kind, .which are quite devoid of bear s, or long 
hair. In this opinion I am confirmed by an experienced correspondent, 
:\Ir. W. H. Place,- of Hound House, near Guildford, who remarked, in 
a recent obliging communication: "I found that the short-haired goats, 
with very little beards, were the best milkers; but from these I seldom 
had more than four pints a day, at the best (I should say three pints 
were the average) and this quantity decreases as the time of kidding 
approaches (the goat carries her young twenty-one or twenty-two weeks). 
They should not be fed too well near the kidding time, or you will lose 
the kids. In winter I gave them hay, together with mangel-wurzel globe, 
and Swedish turnips, carrots, and, sometimes, a few oats; and these 
kept up their milk as well as anything; but, of course, it was most abund- 
ant when they could get fresh grass. The milk I always found excellent, 
but I never had enough of it to induce me to attempt making butter, 
except once, as an experiment; my cook then made a little, which was 
easily done in a little box churn; the butter proved very good. I found 
the flesh of the kids very tender and delicate. 

■' "1 --in aaa Jittle to Mr. Place's information as to their food; mine 
have generally fed out of the same rack as a Shetland pony, with whom 
they are on excellent terms. The pony, throughout the summer, is soiled 
with cut grass, and I notice that the goats pick out the sorrel, sow 
thistle, and all those weeds wl ich the pony rejects. 

" "In the garden (if they are, by chance, allowed to browse), I notice 
that they s lect the rose trees, common laurels, arbutus, laurestinas, and 
!he laburnum. Of culinary vegetables they prefer cabbages and lettuces; 
they also bite pieces out of the tubers of the potato. 

" 'They carefully pick up the leaves, whether green, or autumnal, of 
timber trees; of these, they prefer those of the oak and elm, and delight 
in acorns and oak apples. We are accustomed to collect and store the 
acorns for them against winter, spreading the acorns, thinly, on a dry 
floor, to avoid mouldiness, which follows the sweating of acrons laid in a 
heap. 

" 'As I have before remarked, none of these astringent substances 
affect the taste of their milk, and I may here observe, that, with ordinary 
gentleness, there is no more difficulty, if so much, in milking a goat, 
than a cow. 

'■ 'The manure of a goat is, perhaps, the most powerful of all our 
domestic animals. 

"'Such are the chief facts which I have deemed likely to be useful 
in inducing the extended keeping of the milch goat. 

" 'It is an animal, I feel well assured, may be kept with equal advant- 
age by the cottager, and the dwellers in larger houses. It is useless to 
compare it with the cow, or to suppose that the goat can supplant it in 
situations where the cow can be readily kept; but, in the absence of pas- 



IncidcntaL or By-Products of flic Angora Goaf. 28"/ 

lures, and in places where there is too httle food lor cows, I feel well 
convinced that, with ordinary care and attention, and a moderate firm- 
ness in overcoming the prejudices of those unaccustomed to the goat 
(and unless these are found in the owner, live stock never are profitable), 
the value, and the comfort, of a milch goat are much greater than is 
commonly known. 

" 'The waste produce of a garden is exceedingly useful in the keep 
of a goat. By them almost every refuse weed, all the cuttings and clear- 
mgs, which are wheeled into the rubbish yard, are carefully picked over 
and consumed. To them the trimmings of laurels, and other evergreens, 
pea haulm, and cabbage stocks, etc., are all grateful variat'ons of their 
food. In winter, a little sainfoin, hay, or a few oats, keeps them in excel- 
lent condition. In summer, the mowing of a small grass plot, watered 
with either common, or sewerage water, will, with the aid of the refuse 
garden produce, keep a goat, from the end of April rmtil October.' " 
(See Ency. Brit., Vol I, p. 399.) 

Col. J. Wash. Watts, of South CaroHna, says : 

"A cross, made with a pure Angora buck with a Maltese doe goat, 
produced a doe that gave me four quarts of as good milk as any cow 
on my plantation. The feed of one of my cows will keep twelve goats. 
My cows must have certain food, or they will not thrive. My goats will 
eat anything, almost, and do well, and with this advantage, that their milk 
and butter are not in any way affected by their diet. The milch produc- 
ing qualities could be developed in the Angora, by careful and continuous 
breeding to this end, without crossing, so that excellence of fleece might 
be preserved. If this could be effected, the Angora, furnishing a double 
profit in fleece and milk, could take the place of the common goats kept 
in and around the large towns." (See Hayes, p. 69.) 

Solomon evidently thought highly of goat's milk, for he 
says : 

"And thou shalt have goat's milk enough for thy food,, for the food 
of thy household, and for the maintenance of thy maidens." (Proverbs,, 
xxvii:"27.) 

I have quoted at considerable length from other writers 
upon the milking qualities of the goat because, I believe, the time 
has arrived in the United States when it is almost a necessity 
for many of our citizens who live in large towns and cities to 
discontinue the use of cow's milk. The character of milk that 
is commonly sold by dairymen is poor, but this is nothing com- 
pared with the risk that is taken by consuming milk from cows 
that are diseased. 



28S ■ A New Industry. 

It is a well-known fact upon the part of cur well-informed 
physicians that much sickness is produced from using milk from 
cows fed upon swill and impure food ; and, it stands to reason 
that nearly all dairymen who undertake to carry on their business 
in the crowded vicinity of a large city must necessarily resort to 
means in the feeding and housing of their animals which is 
injurious to their constitution. 

Only within the past few months a lot of dairy cows were 
dicovered in the State of Illinois to be diseased, which were 
condemned and slaughtered by the legal authorities, and it was 
dearly pi oven that they contained the germs of tuberculosis. 
These animals had been supplying milk for a long time before 
any action was taken, and it is not unlikely that a number of 
sufferers from that fatal disease, consumption, are still suffer- 
ing from the consec[uence of using the impure milk sold from 
these cows. 

Vigorous efforts arc l)eing made in Great Britian to intro- 
duce goat's milk in the cities and towns of that country for the 
same reason that I have just referred to. 

The Baroness Burdette-Coutts is the President of a society 
known as "The British Goat Society," the purposes of which are 
stated as follows : 

"This society has been instituted in order to bring more promi- 
nently forward the utility and adaptability of the goat as a milk supply. 
It is a well established fact that in rural districts the families of the 
poor rarely taste other than skim milk, in consequence of the difficulty 
of procuring the pure article as it comes from the cow. It is either 
sent wholesale to London or the nearest town, or utilized at once in 
the manufacture of butter and cheese. On the continent and in Ireland 
the goat is regarded as the poor man's cow, supplying as it does 
many a peasant family with this most miportart article of diet, the defi- 
ciency of which, among our own laborers' children, must act detri- 
mentally in regard to their physical development. The goat is especi- 
ally adapted for such a purpose. It supplies just enough milk for the 
ample requirements of an ordinary household during the greater part 
of the year, and as it eats with avidity almost every kind of herb and 
vegetable, and is besides of a hardy nature it is kept with little trouble 
and at almost nominal expense." 

"The prevalence of tuberculosis in cows is a cause for alarm, and 
the attention of the medical fraternity and the general public is attracted 



Incidental, or By-Products of the Angora Goat. 28p 

to the utility or goat milk. Consumption of the bones or some particular 
organ of the body frequently results from taking into the system milk 
irom tuberculous cows. 

In a recent address before the Hudersfield Technical College in 
England, Sir William Broadbent said: 'Cows are very subject to tuber- 
culosis, and at a certain stage of the disease tubercle bacilli are present in 
the milk. It is through milk so contaminated that children come to have 
tuberculous disease. The disease of bones and joints to which children 
are subject are probably also traceable to milk; humpback, hip-joint 
disease, and the diseases of knees, elbows, etc., which cripple so many 
children; perhaps so is lupus; and no doubt tubercle is often implanted 
by milk in early life, which developes later into consumption." 

"Sir William Broadbent subsecjuently goes on to say: 'It is interest- 
ing to note that asses and goats do not suffer from tuberculosis, and to 
bear in mind that the shrewd physicians of past days used to order asses' 
and goats' milk for persons threatened with consumption.' 

"S. Holmes Pegler, Secretary of the 'British Goat Society,' and 
author of 'Advantages of Goat Keeping,' in speaking of Sir Wm. Broad- 
bent's address, says: 'In France this subject has received more attention. 
Professor Nocard stated some seven or eight years since that out of 
130,000 goats and kids brought to Paris for slaughter at the shambles of 
La Villette every spring, the meat inspectors of that city failed to discover 
a single case of tuberculosis. He even added that inoculation fails to 
introduce the fatal bacillus into the system of the goat, although I believe 
the statement has since been questioned; any way, I have been told by 
veterinary authorities in this country that attempts made in England have 
failed. Goats' milk as a diet for children has many advantages over 
cows' milk, as I have often demonstrated, but this one great virtue trans- 
cends all others, and it is inconceivable that parents knowing this, and 
having the opportunities and accommodation for goat-keeping, should 
not avail themselves of so simple and economical a means of at once 
providing their children with the most easily digestible, and most nour- 
ishing of food, and safeguarding them from one of the greatest evils that 
civilization of the present day is subject to.' 

"Dr. Adolph H. AUshorn, Licentiate of the Royal College of Physic- 
ians, Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons, and Physician to the 
Homoepathic Hospitals, Manchester and London, says: 'As a substitute 
for the mother's milk to children deprived of that necessary, goats' milk 
has no equal; and notwithstanding the similarity in composition (as re- 
vealed by analysis), no one who has seen its effects can doubt its super- 
iority to cows' milk. In diseased conditions of infancy, when there is a 
tendency to deficient assimilation in tubercular disease, Rachitis, Exo- 
phthalmic Goitre, I have proved its success, and have succeeded in rear- 
mg a third or fourth child of a family, the previous children of which 
have died in infancy from hereditary diease. Children brought up on 



2go A Ncz^' Industry. 

goats' milk for a time after weaning from the mother, will compare more 
than favorably with those brought up under like conditions on cows' 
milk. I believe that goats" milk in senil conditions is of the utmost value, 
and know that it has a retarding effect in cases of Atheroma, whether 
this is due to the peculiar acid (Hircie) which it contains I am unable to 
say with certainty." 

"Dr. R. J. Lee, M.. R. C. P., Physician to the Children's Hospital, 
Great Ormand Street, London, in his lecture on 'Goats' Milk as a Food 
for Infants and Livalids,' read before the members of the British Goat 
Society, said: 'What we desire to prove is, that whilst equal to that of 
any other milk-yielding animal in its nutritive properties, it is specially 
valuable for children. On this point I have not the least doubt whatever, 
and am quite certain that if a hundred children were fed on goats' milk, 
and compared with an equal number of corresponding ages (all circum- 
stances being similar) who were fed on an}'- other milk, except that ot 
their mothers, the goats' milk children would, in comparison at least 
with those fed on cows' milk have an advantage. This opinion has been 
formed partly from my own observation, for the children that I have seen 
fed on goats' milk haw thriven in the most satisfactory way, even when 
they had not thriven on cows' millc: partly also from the experience of 
those who. have kept goats and brought up large and healthy families 
upon the milk. I will give one instance among many that have come 
under my notice of the \'alue of goats' milk as a food for young children. 
It was that of an infant three months old, whose mother was obliged to 
wean it, with the not infrequent result of serious illness to the child. Af- 
ter trying the usual plans of feeding children under these circumstances, 
I advised that goats' milk should be tried before resorting to a wet nurse. 
A quart of fresh goats', milk was obtained daily from the country, was 
boiled and at first mixed with a small quantity of water. The child drank 
between three pints and two (juarts daily till he was six months old, 
when his father went to Pan for the winter. There was, however, no oc- 
casion to make any change in his diet, for the milk can be obtained very 
easily indeed in Pau, as goats are driyen in herds through the town every 
day, and are milked before the houses. Till the age of nine months the 
child was fed on nothing but goats' milk, and thrived in the most satis- 
factory way. He has grown into a fine boy, and if his pa:rents had not 
been leaving town this morning, his mother would ha\'c liked him to have 
come here and shown himself for our satisfaction.'' 

"Dr. Charles Edward Shelly, B. A., U. B., Medical Officer to Hailey- 
bury College, says: 'For infants, I believe goats' milk to be the best 
substitute for their natural ailment, when that is for any cause nut obtain- 
able. Not the least of its advantages is due to the fact that, owing to its 
superior digestibility, it requires less dilution than does cows' milk; and 
hence the child takes the requisite amount of nourishment in a smaller 
bulk, and thereby escapes much of the sickness and irritation which are 



Incidental, or By-Prodiicts of the Angora Goat. 2pi 

apt to result from too frequent feeding and over-distension of the stom- 
ach and bowels. As in the case of cows' or asses' milk, it is usually better 
.to sweeten it with a little glycerine rather than with cane sugar, which is 
prone to favor fermentation in warm weather. For invalids, for conva- 
lescents, and in many of the diseases of the old age, it is most valuable; 
and a liking for it is usually soon acquired. In cases of impaired general 
nutrition, where there was nothing which could be definitely termed 
disease, it has proved a most useful addition to the dietary. If its use 
can be extended amongst the poorer classes of the community, I believe 
that it will not only prove a distinct boon financially, especially in coun- 
try districts, but that it will be a powerful agent in tending to lessen the 
present lamentably high rate of infant mortality; and that it will help to 
lay the foundations of a sronger and more vigorous manhood and wom- 
anhood than can be expected to result from the kind of dietary which is 
now almost universal amongst the children of the poor.' " 

There is very little doubt but that there would be quite a 
demand for milch g'oats if farmers in the neighborhood of 
our larg"e cities and towns were -prepared to furnish them. It 
often occurs that an infant is left without a m.other to nourish it, 
and, in such cases, almost any sum would be paid for a goat 
rather than resort to the risk attending the use of the dairyman's 
stufi. 

I teel sure that this branch of the industry is susceptible of 
very profitable returns, and, in grading up a lot of common 
(Mexican or Spanish) goats, a very good market can be found 
for the old does, after they have been used to propagate the 
Angora. 

Leather from the Angora goat is not considered as good as 
that produced by the common kind, owing to the more delicate 
nature of the skin. A reduction of 25 per cent, is usually made 
in the price. 

The Horns of the Angora are also made use of for handles 
to knives, and for ornamentation. I have seen a pair of horns, 
from a full-grown male that were very handsome when pol- 
ished, and set on a panel for wall decoration. As a source of 
revenue, however, this amounts to little or nothing. 



2^2 . . A Nczv Industry. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

WHERE TO RAISE THE ANGORA GOAT TO GREATEST 
ADVANTAGE. 

As far as climate is concerned, the Angora will do well in 
any of oiu" States or Territories where the soil is not marshy 
or swampy. A dry, rocky, mountainous country is the best ; 
but one can hardly make much of a mistake in selecting a 
location that is free from the objection just mentioned, as it will 
generally possess more or less of the rolling, hilly land, which the 
goat naturally delights in. 

The first question to be considered is : What number of goats 
are intended to be handled? If only a small flock, of fifty to 
one hundred and fifty, is contemplated, these can be more profit- 
ably cared for on any farm ranging say from two hundred acres 
up to six hundred. They will not only thrive well on the weeds 
in the pastures and old fields, but will grow fat, and be of great 
advantage to the owner in keeping down briars, and brush ; that 
so constantly make their appearance along the fences and cros^- 
fences of farms. The labor of removing these "eyesores" is a 
continual source of expense, and a small flock of Angora goats 
will make the fence lines look as clean as a lawn, and return a 
large dividend on the investment in the animal. If there should 
be any brush land on the farm, the goats will much more than 
pay for their cost in the improved character of the land, but I 
shall refer to this more particularly under a separate chapter. 

My present purpose is to discuss the matter of "ranching" 
goats as a separate and distinct branch of live stock, as is now 
commonly carried on with cattle, sheep and horses. 

A suitable range at a low cost or rental is the first great 
essential. 



Where to Raise the Angora Goat to Greatest Advantage. i'pj 

The Southern States, perhaps, offer the greatest advantage 
in point of economy in handUng the animal, owing to the mild 
climate ; but, against this, the Northern States have a tendency 
to increase the product of mohair, hence, what is gained in one 
section is offset by an equal gain in the other, and it may be said 
there is no advantage to be had, in a pecuniary sense, by locating 
in the milder climate, provided you can afford to build shelter 
for your stock in the colder States. 

With a limited amount of capital, the West, and Southwest- 
ern part, of Texas, offers more advantages for breeding than 
any other portion of the United States. The section lying west 
of the Colorado River, and south of the thirty-third degree of 
north latitude, is, perhaps, as close a duplicate of Asia Minor 
as there is in the world, possessing all the characteristics of that 
country respecting a dry, arid climate, and high altitude; besides, 
a large amount of evergreen foliage, and nutritious weeds, which 
afford an abundance of green feed the year round, together with 
canons, bluffs, and thickets of brush, to shield the animals from 
the cold winds of winter. 

Up to a few years ago, this vast area of Texas, equal in 
size to the State of New York, was considered to be valueless, 
owing to the absence of water ; but, this has been overcome by 
the digging, or boring, of wells, which range from one hundred 
to four hundred feet in depth, and pumping the water thus ob- 
tained by the aid of windmills. The land is owned partly by the 
State, and partly by individuals, chiefly railroad corporations, 
who received it from the State years ago in the way of subsidies 
for building railroads. Much of it is very rough, rocky and 
mountainous ; so rough, indeed, that a cattleman cannot well 
handle cattle on it, and it is therefore largely vacant and unoccu- 
pied. The uniform rental for State lands is three cents per 
acre, but individual owners are often willing to take less, and will 
accept an off'er of two cents rather than have their lands idle 
and unproductive of some revenue. 

The Legislature has recently placed a large portion of the 
State lands upon the market, for actual settlers, at $1.00 per 
acre, upon the payment of one-fortieth, or, two and one-half 
cents per acre cash, and the remainder, in payments of one-for- 



2^4 -^ Nezv Industry. 

tieth annually, with three per cent, interest. Any one who 
intends to be an actual settler, on the land, can secure four sec- 
tions, of six hundred and forty acres each. The payment of two 
and one-half cents per acre, and three per cent, interest, is such a 
very small sum to pay out annuall}' that it practically amounts 
to a gift. Information can be had as to where these lands are 
located by inquiring from any land agent at Austin, Texas. Mr. 
E. Cartlidge, who was formerly connected with the State Land 
Office, and is now engaged in the real estate business at Austin, 
wni be glad to answer any questions concerning this matter. 

In many other parts of Texas now occupied by cattle raisers, 
there is a large amount of brushy and hilly land, suitable only 
for goat raising and, if the owners do not handle goats them- 
selves, an arrangement can, usually, be made to rent the privilege 
of range and water at from one cent to two cents per goat per 
month. This is a very good way for a stranger to begin with, 
as it will afford him an opportunity to investigate more closely 
into the various parts of the State, where he can secure a perma- 
nent location. 

The section I have referred to is capable, in itself, of sup- 
porting several million head of goats ; but, it is as nothing, com- 
pared with the great undeveloped area of the United States, 
in New Mexico, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and 
Oregon, through which passes the great range of Rocky 
Mountains, the natural home of the Wild Mountain goat, 
and an ideal spot to develop one of the greatest and 
grandest industries for producing- mohair that exists on the 
globe. The larger portion of these lands are fit for nothing 
but mining and goat raising, and the latter would be a great 
advantage to the former in supplying fresh meat to the miners. 
They are subject to entry and pre-emption, under the United 
States land law^s, and it is safe to say no other industry wall ever 
encroach upon them, which has so often been the difficulty with 
our sheep raisers. Many goat ranches are now established in 
this belt of territory and are doing well. By writing to any of 
the breeders whose names and addresses can be found under the 
chapter on "Notes From Practical Breeders," any needed in- 
formation can be secured. 



Where to Raise the Angora Goat to Greatest Advantage. 2p^ 

In addition to the almost unlimited available space already 
referred to, we have, in nearly every one of our Eastern and 
Southern States, a large amount of mountainous land, as w^ell 
as many millions of acres in abandoned farms made vacant by the 
vigorous competion of the more fertile west. 

These farms have been long idle and are overgrown with 
briars and brush to such an extent as to render them utterly 
valueless for either cultivating or stock raising, and are a source 
of expense to their owners. 

The following letters that I have leceived from the Secre- 
taries of the Agricultural Department of some of these States, 
will convey a fair idea of the advantages offered for Angora goat 
culture in the same : 

MAINE. Hon. B. Walker McKeen, Secretary of the Agri- 
cultural Department, writes me as follows : 

Augusta, Me., April 13, 1900. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir: — Replying to your esteemed favor of recent date, in rela- 
tion to land in Maine suitable for raising Angora goats, I beg to say that 
there are sections in the State that are somewhat overgrown with briars 
and low shrubs, but not in locations so that large areas could be pur- 
chased in any one place. I know of no stump land that can be purchased 
cheaply, as most of it is new land, and is, without doubt, being held for 
cultivation and the raising of those farm animals that are usually kept in 
the State. 

"Yours very truly, 

B. WALKER McKEEN. 

Extract taken from "The Oregon Agriculturist and Rural 
Northwest," of Portland, Oregon : 

"J. W. Bailey, Dairy and Food Commissioner for Oregon, recently 
visited his old home in Maine, after an absence of twenty-five years. 
He found there in the logged-off sections, thousands of acres of land 
which had grown up with brush, and suggested that it could profitably 
be used as a pasture ground for .Angora goats. An interview with him 
was published in a Bangor paper, in which he talked about goats in such 
an interesting way, that since his return he has been deluged with letters 
from Maine enquiring about Angora goats, what they will cost, etc. 
He is satisfied that a number of carloads could be sold there if they could 
only be had at a reasonable price." 



2g6 A Nczv Indiistrj. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. Hon. N. J. Bachelder, Secretary of 
the Board of Agriculture, very kindly sent me a catalogue of 
New Hampshire farms that are offered for sale at prices rang- 
ing from $i.00 per acre, up, with very good improvements, from 
which I extract the following: 

"State of New Hampshire. Board of Agriculture. 
Immigration Department. 

"Concord, N. H., Jpnuary 1, 1899. 

"The numerous inquiries received at this office in regard to ibe :\- .' 
tages of New Hampshire and the opportunities for purchasing farms for 
agricuhural purposes, or for summer homes, have led to the publication 
of this pamphlet. During the past ten years much discussion has occur- 
red in regard to the abandoned farms of New England, and so numerous 
have these inquiries been that no less than five of the six New England 
States have found it advisable to issue publications upon the subject, for 
the information of inquirers and possible purchasers of such properties, 
and a large number of farms have been sold and become occupied 
through these agencies. 

"Many persons who have become interested in these farms, and in some 
instances have become purchasers, have been attracted by the advantages 
surrounding them, rather than by the remarkable fertility of the soil itself, 
and the greater the advantages in the matter of roads, schools, and gen- 
eral transportation facilities, the larger the number that will become re- 
populated and thereb}^ aid in the further extension of public facilities. 

"The farms to which we have called attention, and which are brought 
to notice in this pamphlet, are those upon which are fairly tenantable 
buildings without occupants, — farms which have become abandoned from 
various causes, none of which militate against the farm itself, for these 
farms generally compare favorably in fertility and natural productions 
with the occupied farms of the same localities. They are abandoned only 
in the sense that the buildings are without occupants. The title to the 
land is still held by some one who pays the taxes, gathers the fruit, and 
cuts such portions of the grass for hay as circumstances warrant. The 
buildings, still in fairly good condition, will shelter a good-sized family 
from winter's snows or summer's sun, and afford the foundation for 
establishing a home in one of the most favored spots on the globe. 

"N J. BATCHELDER, 
"Secretary." 

VERMONT. Hon. C. J. Bell, Secretary Board of Agricul- 
ture and Cattle Commissioner, writes me as follows : 



Where to Raise the Angora Goat to Greatest Advantage. x?p7 

"East Hardwick, Vt., April 14, 1900. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"My Dear Sir: — Answering yours of the 3rd irst., there are many 
acres of pasture land grown up more to bushes, not briars, and also 
many acres of pastures in many towns back upon the hills that can be 
bought from $2.00 to $4.00 per acre. 

"I should presume in many instances where lumber has been cut off 
clean, and covered with brush, land could be bought for one dollar per 
acre. 

"Yours truly, 

C. J. BELL. 

MASSACHUSETTS. Hon. J. W. Stockwell, Secretary 
State Board of Agriculture, writes : 

"Boston, Mass., April 12, 1900. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir: — Replying to your inquiry would say that we have issued 
no farm catalogue since December, 1897, and the supply of that issue is 
exhausted. We are now making plans to issue an entirely new edition 
and hope to have copies for distribution this coming summer or early 
fall. Will file your request for a copy. 

"There is no uestion but that we have areas adapted to the raising 
of Angora goats; land which can be purchased at from $5 to $10 per acre; 
and presumably our climate would be reasonably favorable. 

"Respectfully, 

J. W. STOCKWELL, Sec. 

CONNECTICUT. Hon. T. S- Gohl, Secretary Board of 
Agriculture, State of Connecticut : 

"West Cornwall, Conn., April 13, 1900. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black. 

"My Dear Sir: — There is plenty of land in Connecticut that is well 
adapted to both sheep and goats, but the dogs, and poor fences at present 
rule.* 

"Yours respectfully, 

T. S. GOHL, Secty. 

PENNSYLVANIA. Hon. John Hamilton, Secretary of 
Agriculture, writes : 



*The difficulty mentioned by Mr. Gohl can be overcome very easily, 
by putting up a woven wire fence. 



2q8 a Nczv Industry. 

"Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 

"Harrisburg, Pa., April 12, 1990. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texcis. 

"Dear Sir: — Yours of the 3rd instant is just at hand. We have 
plenty of land that is grown up with brush, and that could be had at very 
low rates. It is scattered in many districts throughout the State, at 
prices ranging from $4.00 up. 

Very respectfully, 

"JOHN HAMILTON, 
"Secretary of Agriculture." 

NEW JERSEY . Hon. Franklin Dye, Secretary State 
Board of Agriculture, writes : 

"Trenton, N. J., April 16, 1900. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir: — I have yours of April 9th making inquiries concerning 
the Angora goat and mohair industry so far as it applies to New Jersey. 
In answer I must say that for myself I know absolutely nothing about 
the industry in this State nor whether it prevails to even a limited extent; 
no doubt there are Angoras goats kept ir- some localities but, evidently, 
not to such an extent as to be considered by reporters worthy of sending 
to this office, for no such items have been furnished me in any of the an- 
nual reports from the counties. 

"It is an industry, however, which I think could be very successfully 
carried on in various sections in this State. We have much scrub and 
brush lands in the southern sections which are, to some extent, sandy; 
and quite extended areas of similar lands in the hilly and mountainous 
regions of the northern part of the State. Furthermore, these lands are 
held at a very low price and could be utilized, as I have no doubt they 
will be in the very near future, for this industry, the poultry industry 
and small fruits to a larger extent than at present prevails. Sorry I 
have not the information at my command to answer your questions in 
detail. 

"Very respectfully yours, 

"FRANKLIN DYE, 

"Secretary." 

NEW YORK. Hon. Charles A. Weiting-, Commissioner 
Department of Agriculture, writes : 

"Albany, N. Y., April 19, 1900. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir: — In reply to your communication of the 3rd inst. I have 
to say, there is considerable land in the State of New York that can be 



Where to Raise the Ajigora Goat to Greatest Advantage. 2^q 

bought for prices ranging from three to six dollars per acre on which 
goats would probably thrive. This is back country land on hills, some 
rocks, but has good productive soil. 

"Very respectfully yours, 

'•C. S. WEITING."' 

MARYLAND. The President of Maryland Agricultural 
College, writes as follows : 

"College Park P. O., Maryland, April 13, 1900. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir: — Your communication received. There is the greatest 
amount of land in Southern Maryland of the character to which you re- 
fer, and it can be bought from four to ten dollars an acre. If you would 
correspond with R. B. Chew, No. 512 F St., N. W., Washington, D. 
C. ; or, with the Bureau of Immigration, Baltimore, Md., I think yon 
might learn something to your benefit. 

"Very truly yours, 
"R. W. SENERLEY. 

"President." 

VIRGINIA. Hon. G. W. Koiner, Commissioner Depart- 
ment of Agriculture : 

Richmond, Va., April 13, 1900. 

"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir: — In reply to your inquiry of the 3rd inst., I beg to say 
that there is a good deal of cheap land in this State that could be used 
in raising goats. 

"Yours truly, 
G. W. KOINER, 

"Commissioner." 

WEST VIRGINIA. Hon. J. B. Garvin Secretary Depart- 
ment of Agriculture : 

"Charleston, W. Va., April 26, 1900. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir: — I have been getting all the information available on 
the Angora goat, and would be glad to see it introduced into this State. 
The Apalachain mountain ranges running northeast southwest through 
the Eastern portion of the State afifords a wonderful range of brush 
lands, admirably adapted, as I understand, for the Angora to feed upon. 
In addition, our numerous hill lands are covered with the growth of 
bushes and. briars and alders, which can only be eradicated by some such 



30D A Nnv I lid list.- y. 

process. Mr. O. D. Hill, of Kendalia, Kanawha, County, W. Va., has 
the only herd of Angora goats in the State, and it is a small one. 

"I send you by this mail, our fourth biennial report, which may 
be of some interest to you. 

"Yours truly, 
J. B. GARVIN." 

TENNESSEE. Hon. Thos. H. Paine, Commissioner 
Department of Agriculture : 

"Nashville, Tenn., April 10, 1900. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir: — Yours to hand in regard to goats. As to area of land 
for raising goats you can purchase lands at three to ten dollars per acre, 
well watered. We have very few wild animals to molest goats, and 
what we have are in the Eastern part of the State. To be near the market 
I do not think a more suitable place can be found than some of the coun- 
ties of the middle section of the State. Now as to gentlemen who have 
raised goats the following live in the middle section, viz: Messrs. Jos. 
Phillips, care Berry DeMoville & Co., Overton Lea and John A. De- 
Moville, all of Nashville, Davidson County, Tenn. 

"Yours respectfully, 
"THOMAS H. PAINE. 

The following- letter from Mr. W. E. Hughes, a very sue-' 
cessful Angora goat breeder in Texas, is taken from "Claridge's 
Stock Farmer," of San Antonio : 

"Not long ago I went up through the Eastern end of Tennessee 
in the Cumberland mountains and was much impressed by the adapta- 
bility of the whole of that section to the raising of goats. Hitherto it 
has been regarded as being of but little worth except for its coal mines 
and timber; besides those who are engaged in these industries there are 
scattered here and there through the hills a few small farmers, for the 
most part what are known as 'natives' or old settlers, who, in addition to 
a small farm, often have a small flock of sheep which is allowed to run at 
large, and also raise, perhaps, three or four calves and a colt or two and 
enough hogs to keep them in meat. 

"It seems strange that in a country which is hilly and practically 
covered with underbrush that goats have scarcely ever been thought of 
as a feature of farming. The fields are mostly on a hill-side, so steep 
that they say you have to use stilts on the down-hill side of a horse in 
ploughing. This may be romance but, joking aside, it comes as near 
being a goat's paradise as any country I was ever in. While the hills 
are very steep they produce a very luxuriant herbage among other bushes, 



Where to Raise the Angora Goat to Greatest Advantage. ^oi 

of which goats are fond; there is sumac in large quantities scattered 
throughout, and the tops of the hills seem to be just as rich as the bot- 
toms — generally speaking a soit of sandy loam with sufficient clay in 
its composition to keep it from washing, and here and there a reddish 
shade, indicating the presence of iron in the soil. 

"Another feature which is valuable is the presence of small springs 
which are to be found in large numbers, and also very pretty and clear 
streams. I believe that it would be impossible to take an hour's walk 
in any direction without coming across one or the other of these water 
supplies. The winters are not severe, and the broken character of the 
country furnishes ample shelter for stock. One peculiar condition that 
also adds to its attractiveness as a goat country is the absence of wolves. 
The scattered sheep which the settlers allow to run out and mix with one 
another are only rounded up for marking and shearing or for some such 
special purpose, and for the rest of the time are running out like so many 
cattle." 

LOUISIANA. Hon. Leon Jastremski, Commissioner 
Board of Agriculture and Immigration : 

"Baton Rouge, La., April 24, 1900. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Fort McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir: — Your letter on the subject of the raising of Angora goats 
has been received. I am not aware that any one in Louisiana is now en- 
gaged in this industry but believe that it could be successfully carried on 
in the greater portions of the State. I mail you to-day a descriptive 
pamphlet* of our State from which you may gather all requisite infor- 
mation. 

"Very truly yours, 
"LEON JASTREMKSI, 

"Commissioner." 

WASHINGTON. Mr. E. J. Hermans, Glencoe, Wash- 
ington, writes : 

"We have a heavy growth of timber and brush, so dense that the 
brush of other countries in comparison is mere nothing. To clear this 
land for farming costs from $50.00 to $200.00 per acre. We also have 
a large amount of land that is not good for farming but that raises two 



Note — The pamphlet referred to by Mr. Jastremski, is beautifully 
illustrated, and contains very full information respecting every parish in 
the State. There appears to be considerable quantity of U. S. land 
that is subject to preemption in many of the Counties; and a great deal 
belonging to private individuals that can be purchased as low as $1.00 
per acre. 



^02 A A'Vti' Industry. 

varieties of brush known here as salal, and huckleberry, both evergreen 
and peculiar to this country, which cannot be made to produce anything 
without great expense, can be made to yield a fine revenue with goats. I 
would not stock such land to kill the brush, but just enough to keep the 
range permanent. I am enthusiastic on the subject. The only trouble 
I have heard of with goats here is "foot-rot,' and that only occurs in the 
bottom lands. The class of lands I have mentioned is never muddy, 
and would therefore be free from this trouble." 

Mr. Jno. S. Harris, Oakley, Idaho, says : 

"There are a great many difficulties to contend with in this section: 
yet, in a measure, it is the climate, in mj^ opinion, that is likely to 
make the mohair goat hold out the longest in producing a fleece similar 
to that of its native land. 

"I think Texas climate will cause a deterioration in the fleece. 

'"I am confident we can compete with South Africa or Turkey in 
raising mohair. 

"I think perhaps Colorado is the best all-round State to raise the 
Angora goat in. Oregon is going to raise a great deal of mohair, and 
it is of a very fine character; very similar to that of Angora. 

A very complete write-up on Colorado, Oregon, Dakota,, 
Montana, Idaho, Washington, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona 
appears in the report of the U. S. Depaitment of Agriculture, 
for 1869, pages 602 to 633. 

And, Mr. Ahiiont Barnes, of the Division of Statistics, 
makes the following interesting statement concerning "Avail- 
able pasturage for goats," in the year-book for 1898, of that 
Department, on pages 425 and 426 : 

AVAILABLE PASTURAGE. 

"Relative to areas suitable for goat keeping upon any scale, from a 
few for milk or cheese to large flocks for their fleeces or skins, it may 
be confidently asserted that wherever there is a suitable climate there 
are also suitable uncultivated lands. Over 42 per cent, of the land in 
farms in the United States is unimproved; how much of it is unculti- 
vatable, is unknown. The total unimproved land amounts to 265,600,000 
acres, against more than 375,600,000 improved. This presents a vast 
field for selection of favored localities in every part of the country; 
and much of the field invites the primitive occupation of herding, which 
preceded and prepared the way for agriculture in many countries, with in- 
estimable benefit to the soil. ' 



Where to Raise the Angora Goat to Greatest Advantage. joj 

"It is true that, considerable portions of the unimproved farm land is 
in valuable forests, which invite preservation as such for various eco- 
nomic reasons; btit it is equally true that a large proportion is usless 
as a present or prospective timber reserve, and can be utilized only in 
some way as is herein suggested. In the aggregate, millions of acres 
of poor, rough, rocky, or bushy land, distributed through all the States, 
call for subjugation and enrichment through animal occupation, prefer- 
ably of the goat, which would not only destroy the growth that invites 
recurrent conflagrations, but would result ultimately in the introduction 
of nutritious grasses. 

"In order to present the areas of unimproved land in farms in true 
relation with the improved and to show the farms of which they are a 
part, and at the same time the wide basis upon which the interest herein 
considered may be established, reference may be made to the report on 
agriculture of the Eleventh Census. 

"The State of Maine, for instance, has 6,000,000 acres in farms, of 
which 3,000,(i00, or 50 per cent., are imprt/ved and an equal number un- 
cultivated; there are 62,000 farms therein, averaging 100 acres each. 
A logal deduction is that, there are about 6"2,000 farmers in Maine who 
have, on an average, 50 acres each of unimproved land. Observation 
shows that portions of such land are useless for farming purposes, and 
often are in extended areas defined by natural limits. They are, how- 
ever, Vi^ell adapted to goat herding even when good for nothing else, 
and would almost invariably be made better thereby. 

"Relative to Georgia, it may be said that there is an acreage in 
farms of over 25,000,000, of which 9,500,000 are improved, and over 15,- 
500,000, or nearly. 62 per cent., unimproved, with 171,000 farms, and an 
average of 147 acres to the farm. The evidence of the former commis- 
sioner of agriculture of that Sta-te as to the fitness of its mountain lands 
for goats of the Angora breed has been cited, and the same -holds good 
over most of the other lands in the State for the common goat, including 
the average of l^Vs. acres per farm of unimproved land. Similarly, the 
lesson may be applied to each State, according to fitness, without material 
change. 

"There is, however, in the United States a large, continuous area, 
embracing over one-third of the States and Territories, which invites 
particular attention in connection with this subject. It includes the 
South Atlantic and South Central divisions and a part of the Western 
division of the Census groupings, * or twenty States and Territories, 



*South Atlantic division, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, 
Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Flor- 
ida; South Central division, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, 
Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas; Western division, Montana. 
Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, 
Washington, Oregon, California. 



S04 A NcTv Industry. 

which, together, contain, nearly 285,000,000 acres in farms, of which 
over 122,000,000 are improved and over 162,000,000, or 57 per cent., unim- 
proved. Tlie average size of farrns and the average amounts of unim- 
proved land are greater in this area than elsewhere, and the climatic con- 
ditions are more uniform. 

"This area includes nearly all the central, and a part of the western 
mountain regions, and lies principally within the belt of at least little or no 
snow. It is in general the most temperate region of a temperate zone, 
and peculiarly suitable for wintering all kinds of farm and range stock, 
not only as to climate, but as to subsistence. It furnishes an abundance of 
such forage as is suitable, and preferable for goats, available to them, in 
most parts during the entire year. Under such circumstances and con- 
ditions whatever profit can be derived from herding them comes nearest 
to a net profit. There is the additional incidental benefit that whatever 
foul land is regularly pastured by these animals for a few years becomes 
clean, weedless, and brushless, and usually, being evenly fertilized by 
them also, runs into natritious native grasses." 

The following article, taken from the "Montana Stockman 
and Farmer." of Tannar_y 1st, 1899, will be interesting: 

ANGORA GOATS IN MONTANA 

"Little attention has been paid to raising Angora goats in Montana. 
Some years ago a small band was brought into Beaver County and 
turned loose near Dillon. No attention was paid to them. They were 
sold a few at a time to a butcher, some of them died and others were 
lost, and finally the band disappeared. Another small band at a later 
date was taken to the vicinity of White Sulphur Springs and turned 
loose, being finally sold to the butcher because they liked to stay in 
town too well and would not keep out on the range. ' Another small 
band was turned out in Madison County. They kept in the mountains, 
became wild, and were supposed to have been killed by hunters. 

"The only person, as far as we can learn, who has made a business 
of running goats in Montana is Mr. H. A. Brannin, of Marysville. He 
keeps the goats in the mountains about a mile below Empire. Last 
winter he had about 450 and he' brought them through without feed- 
ing hay. He says, however, that it would have been better if they had 
had a little hay, but he would not have required to exceed four tons. 
With that amount they would have come through the winter in excellent 
shape. As it was, they were a little thin, but none died. During the 
heavy snows of March they waded through snow up to their backs to 
reach the brush and fir trees that were cut down for them to feed upon. 



Where to Raise the Angora Goat to Greatest Advantage. J03 

Under this treatment none of them died. According to Mr. Brannin's 
experience the goats are much hardier than sheep, and will stand a 
hard winter with less care. They will also live on much coarser food. 

"Mr. Brannin was in the goat business in New Mexico, and is 
enthusiastic on the possibilities of the goat industry m Montana. He 
believes it to be much more profitable than sheep raising. He says 
the goats shear heavier here than they do in New Mexico and Texas, 
and also that they attain greater size. It will also be remembered that 
this is also true of sheep, and that cattle also attain a greater size here. 
He also claims that goats are more prolific than sheep, and that the 
kids are easier to raise than lambs. Goats are certainly much easier 
to handle than sheep. The kids can be kept in the corral in the morn- 
ing and the old ones turned out and let go by themselves, and the 
latter will come home in the evening like cows. The life of a goat is 
two or three times that of a sheep — a consideration in estimating 
profit. 

"Coyotes may occasionly get a goat if it strays from a liock, but in 
a band they are well able to take care of themselves, so far as the 
coyotes are concerned. Mr. Brannin has not lost half a dozen in two 
years, and they have run alone in the mountains where coyotes are 
plentiful." 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

WHERE THE ANGORA GOAT CAN BE PURCHxVSED, WITH STATE- 
MENTS FROM BREEDERS ABOUT THE SHEARING 
CAPACITY OF THEIR GOATS. 

Realizing that very few people, not engaged in breeding 
I he Angora goat, have any knowledge as to where such stock 
can be purchased, I decided to send out the following list of 
Cjuestions to a number of breeders in the different States : 

1. What is the average shearing capacity of your goats? 

2. What is the length of the staple of your mohair? 

3. What will your wethers and does weigh? 

The following is a tabulated list of the replies received ; 
and, following this, will be found c:. more particular reference 
to the character of the animals by the breeders themselves. 

It must not be supposed that these represent the average 
shearing of the Angoras in the United States, as there are. many 
breeders who have only commenced grading up the common 
goat within the past few years, and have not reached .a very 
high grade. Others have been using very ordinary bucks, and 
cannot possibly increase their shearing capacity very rapidly. 

The breeders I have selected, have been engaged in the bus- 
iness for a number of years, or have purchased flocks from 
others who have, and they will serve as a fair index to the 
Angora in this country, wliere reasonable care and attention has 
been used for a period of years; and, judging from:ithe exper- 
ience of the past, I do not hesitate to say that a sheading capacity 
of twelve pounds for wethers, and eight pounds -for does, is 
likely to be a very common yield within the next 'twenty-five 
vears. ,y 




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No 


. 1 


No 


. ?. 


No. 3 






ing 


Mohair 


Live 
Weight 


Dressed 
Weight 




State 


Cfl" 






j3 


V 

si ■ 


op 01 


si 


II 


Bkebdeb's Address 




5 

6 

4 

6/2 

4 

5 

6 

4 

9 

4 

4 

6 

4 

3 
8-10 
4@8 
6@,7 

6 


3 

4/5 
3/5 

4^/2 

3 
3 
4 
3 
6 
3 
3 
5 
3 

5@,8 
4(516 
3@4 

4 

5 
3@5 


12 
13 
13 
13 
13 
12 
12 

7 

8 

9 
10 
14 

8 

6H 
13i4 
15 
11 
12 
12 
15 


12 
12 

12 
12 
12 
12 
12 

6 

7 

12 
12 
8 
12 
12 
12 
12 
13 
12 
12 


'ioo 

130 


"so 

90 


60 
60' 


45 

45 


John Brown, Sonora. 

Jea Pepper, Rock Springs. 

D. G. .\very, Marathon. 

K. H. Lowry, Camp San Saba. 

J. W. Garrett, Mountain Home. 


Texas. 


100 

"90 

90 
105 


75 

"65 
65 

85 


'76 


'56' 


Doughter & Luttrell, Lipan. 
W. W. Haupt. Kyle. 
J. M. Arnold, Montell. 
G. W. Baylor, Montell. 
Tom S. Evans, Exile. 
0. Dis~ler. Juno. 


60 

'126 
90 
100 
80 
100 
100 
100 


50 

"95 
75 

75 
60 
80 
85 
75 


'48' 


'36' 


H. T. Fuchs, Tiger Mill. 
H. W. Galbraitti. Montell. 
Jas. Patterson. Junction City. 
W. M. Landrum, Laguna. 








R. H. vA'yatt. Sonora. 
Henry Fink, Leon Springs. 
W. G. Hughes, Hastings. 
W. R McKee, Junction City. 
Rev. D. S. Babb, Sonora. 


















5% 
4 

6 
4@5 

7 

4(«)8 
5(a.8 
6@).8 
6@8 
7@9 
6!4 


m 

5 

3M 

4 
3@4 

4 
2(rt).3 
3(?»,6 
3(5(7 
4(^6 

4 

5 

4 


14^2 

12 


12 

12 


75 
100 


48 
80 






Scott Obye. No Yamhill. 
Geo. A. Houck. Eugene. 
Frank H. Rogers. Gardner. 




11 

10 

10 

11'/= 

12 

10 

13 

10 

12/2 

12 


12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 










A. Blackburn, No. Yamhill. 












J. M. Hassler, Larwood. 












J. H. Hawlev, Monmouth. 


Oregon. 


185 


145 






0. Dowell, Florence. 
N. Woodward, Dallas. 












Mr. Masters, Cleveland, 












W. L. Claggett, Salem. 
























.las. McDonald. Morrison. 












D. A. Walker, Carlton. 





No. 1. 

Shear- No 2. 
ing. Mohair 


No 
live 
Weiglit. 


. 3 

Dressed 
Weight. 




STATE. 


si tn 





03 M 


^5 

5 hC' 


■h 



3 






a 


Bbebdbb's Address. 


C3 

g 
O 


7 

6 

6 

5 

6 

5i4 

4 

4 

3i4 

4 

4 

3 

31/2 


5 

5M 

4 

3 

4 

4 

214 

3y2 

2/2 

3/2 


13 
13 

8 
12 

16" 
12 
6 

16" 

8 

9 
13 


12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 

12 
6 
12 
12 


100 
165 

"ioo 

100 


80 
120 

"75 
80 


75 


'46' 

60 


Philo Ogden. Upper L,ali8. 
Conklin Bros., Newville. 
Wm. Richter, Ico. 
Jacob Oakes, Paskenta. 
E. L. Maize, Upper Lake. 
C. P. Bailey, San Jose. 
E. R. Williams, Uedding. 
K. J. Linton, Ager. 


P 














50 


40 


V . G. Smith. Skaggs Springs. 




Av'se of flock. 
Av'ge of flocli. . 


J. M. Wimmer, Millville. 
Jos. H. Dunison. Upper Lake. 




7 
6 
6 
ii 


5 
4 
4 












E. Weistrand. Cooney. 
D. C. Taylor, Lake Valley. 
J. C. Hightovver, Ruidosa. 
0. D. Norciip. Sepan 


New 
Mexico 


15 
11 
11 


12 
12 
1^ 


120 


inn 


50 
60 


40 
50 
















Iowa. 


7 
5 
4 
5 
.5 


5 
4 
3 
3 
3 


13/2 

10 

10 

14 

11 


12 
12 
12 
12 
12 


100 
100 
100 


80 
85 
75 






J. K. Standley, Platteville. 
S. H. McKibben. Earlham. 
I. J. Booth, Gresco. 
Morgan & Morgan, OIny. 




100 


75 














Arizona. 


4 

4 
4 

21/, 


3 

2/2 

2/2 
1^2 


12 
12 
6 

8 


12 
12 
12 
12 






50 
55 


35 

40 


J. F Holder. Pays m 
J. R. Barnette. (Jlobe. 
Ira Harper. Clifton. 
Wm. Horn. Camp Verde. 








40 


35 


Montana. 


5 
5 


3 

3/2 


11 12 
9 12 




.... 


65 
65 


45 
45 


S. S. Brannin, Marysville. 
T. Glome Miles, Silver Bend. 




9 


6 


12 


7 










J. H. Harris. Oakley. 












Washingi'n 


8 


6 


13 


12 




.... 55 


40 


Dr. Tuttle, Tacoma. 


Wyoming. 


6/2 


4 


12 


12 


140 120 .... 




Cliris. Nihsoa. Burlington. 


Utah. 


3H 


2;/„ 


15 


12 


80 


1 
70 .... 




J. K. Hamblin, Kanab. 




5 
5 


4 
4 


12 
13 


12 

12 










C D Tuthitl, Tuthill. 


Minnesota 


150 


125 




1 he Wilcox; Co , Hugo. 


Kansas. 


7 5/2 


12 


12 


100 


7."> 
















Missuuri. 


7 


5 


8 


12 J.... 








A. Lippincut. Sheridan. 


Oklahoma. 


5 


3 


13 


12 


100 


75 






J. K. Youn>f, Woodward. 


VVeht 
Virg^lnia. 


7 


5 


18 


i 


.... 








1). Hill. Ktndalia. 


Conuectic't 


5@.7 3@5 


10 


12 


95 


7.i 






Jas. A. Bill, Bill Hill 


Nurlli 1 1 1 
Carolina. | ml 1 |lO 


12 90 


fi?. 




1 Lafiivette HoU,. Hurlinston. 



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Statements of Breeders About Shearing Capaeity of Goats, j/j 

"The group of three, the big buck sheared nine pounds, the small 
buck six pounds, and the doe five and one-half pounds, at seven 
months." 

Mr. W. G. Hughes, Hastings P. O., Kendall County, 
writes : 

■'Referring to my flock of thoroughbred Angora goats, I would state 
that I purchased the entire flock from Col. W. W. Haupt, of Hayes 
County, some years ago, and have since tried to avoid any retrogression 
in the quality of the stock which Col. Haupt deserves great credit for 
having brought to a high state of perfection. I have shipped bucks 
into twenty-four different States in the last twelve months or so, from 
Washington and Idaho in the Northwest, to New York and Massachu- 
setts in the East, and as far South as Louisiana and Florida. I made 
an exhibit at the Omaha Exposition in 1898, and carried off most of the 
premiums that were offered, and I can conscientiously say there are no 
goats in the United States that are any freer from base blood than my 
own. I have been breding to combine a strong constitution with a good, 
well distributed fleece of fine mohair, and I think I have attained it. 

"I cannot do better in this connection than by giving you Col. 
Haupt's reply to a request I made that he write a statement as to the 
breeding of the goats while in his hands, which is as follows: 

'• "Kyle, Hays County, Texas, April -5, 1899. 
" 'Mr. W. G. Hughes, Hastings, Texas: 

" 'Dear Sir — I got all my pure bloods from Col. Richard Peters, of 
Atlanta, Georgia, into whose hands fell the original flock of Angoras 
imported by Dr. J. B. Davis, of South Carolina, in 1849. 

" 'These were the finest goats ever brought here, unless others have 
been imported in recent years. Mr. Peters (who died in 1899) made 
other importations of which he sent me samples, but I discarded them. 
He imported some greasy fleeced goats, like Merino sheep, and sent 
me samples of the fleece and asked my opinion of them. I informed him 
the fleece was no finer, and after the grease was washed out it was no 
heavier, and that all the difference I could see in it was the extra 
trouble of scouring the fleece. We discarded them. 

" 'I wrote to Kitching & Bicknell, of New York, if I could find 
a billy from any flock in California, or elsewhere, that would increase 
the weight of my fleece, without detriment to its fineness. They said 
I could not. And under date of December 17, 1888, they wrote me 
about my six months' clip as follows: 

' "It is the best lot we have had this season. We sold a lot today, 
not as good as yours, for thirty- three and one-third cents and yours 
will go to thirty-five cents. We can get a fancy price for yours, as 
it is fine, clean, silky and lustrous, and of good length." ' 



3H 



A Nczv Industry. 



" 'Mr. 



spoke so much of his large yield and fine fleece, 



that I ordered one of his billies. I reshipped it back to him. 

" 'So my pure bloods, ab initio, till the day I sold them to you, 
have been bred by me with most scrupulous care, and no foreign matter 
mixed into them, and I can truthfully say their blood is perfectly pure, 
if it left Asia Minor pure; and it is doubtful if this caii be said of many 
other flocks in the United States. 

" 'Respectfully, 

•■ -WM. W. HAUPT.' " 



Pt.ATE ,\.\V. 




. THOROUGHBRED ANGORA BUCK. 

Under two years old; bred and I'aised by Mr. W. G. HuRhes, Kendall Comity. Texas, out ot 
■' Haupt" yoats. snowing eight moiitiis' tleeee. 



" 'P. S.— At one time I paid Col. Peters eight hundred dollars ($800) 
for seven nannies and a billy, but that was ten or fifteen years after 
I moved to this place. " 'W. W. H.' " 

Mr. W. R. McKee, Jtmction City, Kimble Cottnty, writes : 

"My flock of goats was started from the Pari.'^.h btock in \^'^^'l. 

"My does average five pounds and wethers seven pounds. Weight 
of carcass, 100 pounds for wethers and eighty-five for does. Have used 
bucks of the finest kind I could procure. 



Sfatciiicnfs of Breeders About Slieariiig Capacity of Goats. 575 

"Many of my best does shear over six pounds and these I always 
select for my stud flock. 

"My price for males has been $15.00 to $25.00 

"Many of my goats hold their fleece very late in the spring, and 1 
have some that do not shed at all. 

Mr. Jeff. Pepper, Rock Springs, Edwards County, writes : 
"My flock of goats was started from pure-blooded stock raised by 
W. D. Parish, of Texas. 

PLATE XXVI. 




THOROUGHBRED THREE-YEAR-OLD DOE. 

Bred and raised by Mr. W. G. Hughes, Hastincs, Kendall County, Texas, out of ••Haupt" 

g-oats. showing eight months' fleece. 

"The average of my flock is four and one-half pounds for does 
and six for wethers, but I have a number of does that shear as high 
as six, and over, which I always select for my stud flock. 

"My goats weigh 100 pounds for wethers and eighty pounds for does. 
The staple of mohair is thirteen inches, very fine and curly. 

"My price for bucks is $25.00, and does $10.00." 

Mr. John Brown, Sonora, Sutton County, writes : 

"My flock of goats, consisting of about three thousand head, was 
started about fifteen years ago from pure-bred bucks purchased from 



j/d /i Nczv Industry. 

Col. W. W. Haupt; and, of late years, I have been breeding some of my 
finest does for bucks which I have sold from $15.00 to $25.00, according 
to quality. 

''The shearing of my entire flock will average three pounds for does 
and five for wethers, but I have many does that will shear as high as 
six pounds, and have had some kids that shear four and one-half 
pounds. 

"The character of my mohair is fine in fibre and about twelve inches 
in length. 

"I have always found ready sale for all the bucks that I have raised, 
and they appear to have given great satisfaction." 

Mr. J. M. Arnold, Montell, Uvalde County, writes : 

"Our flock of goats was founded on the W. D. Parish stock. I 
send you photographs of two bucks that were twenty-one months old, 
and had their second fleece about nine months, and sheared ten pounds 
and eleven pounds good mohair. 

"We select only our heaviest shearing does to breed for bucks, which 
we have been selling at $25.00 per head. 

"The weight of our bucks range from eighty to ninety pounds, and 
does sixty to seventy pounds." 

Mr. W. M. Landrum, Laguna, Texas, writes : 

"My flock of pure-bred Angoras was originally started from the 
'Peters' stock. My does shear from five pounds to eight pounds of 
pure mohair per head. I always make a selection of my finest and heav- 
iest shearing does to breed for bucks, which generally shear eight 
pounds to ten pounds per head. 

"The weight of my bucks vary from eighty pounds to 100 pounds; 
does from seventy, to eighty, pounds. 

"My prices range for bucks from $40.00 up to $300.00; and for does 
from $50.00 to $100.00 per head." 

Rev. D. S. Babb, Sonora, Sutton, County, Texas, writes : 

"My flock of Angoras was started twenty-five years ago from 
goats that came from Col. Richard Peters, of Atlanta, Georgia, and I 
have used 'Landrum' bucks since, more or less. 

"My does shear from three pounds to five pounds; wethers from four 
pounds to eight pounds; kids from two pounds to four pounds. 

"Weight of wethers 100 pounds; does seventy-five pounds. 

"Mohair well covered over the chest, body and belly, measuring 
from twelve to eighteen inches. 

"My price for bucks ranges from $10.00 to $50.00,- according to 
individual qualities." 




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Staleiiiciifs of Breeders About Shearing Capaeity of Goats, ^ip 

Mr. Henry Fink, Leon Springs, Texas, writes : 

"Our flock of pure-bred goats originated from the W. D. Parish 
goats whose entire flock we purchased when he retired from the business 
nearly twenty years ago. We have made a practice of raising bucks 
for breeding purposes, and have been selling them at the rate of $20.00 
each; and breeding does, $15.00. 

"The shearing capacity of our bucks range generally between six 
and seven pounds, and the does three and one-half to four pounds. 
Staple of mohair eleven inches." 

Mr. H. T. Fiichs, Tiger Mill, Texas, writes : 

"My flock of goats was started in 1882 from pure-bred bucks pur- 
chased from Col. Robt. W. Scott, of Kentucky. 

"I have bred them with great care for density of fleece, and fineness 
of fibre. 

"My does shear five pounds and weigh fifty pounds gross. The 
staple of mohair hangs in long ringlets from ten to twelve inches. 

"My prices have, heretofore, been $15.00 to $25.00 for bucks, accord- 
ing to quality." 

Hon. Robt. H. Lowrey, Camp San Saba, Texas, writes : 

"My goats were started from the 'Peters' stock in 1875, and I added 
some 'Parish' stock up to 1879. 

"I have made a practice of selecting my best does for breei»mg 
bucks, which I have always found sale for. 

"My present prices range from $10.00 to $15.00 for does, and $15.00 
to $25.00 for bucks. 

"The staple of my mohair is twelve to fourteen inches. Weight of 
animal about sixty pounds net for males." 

Mr. Robt. H. Wyatt, Sonora, Sutton County, writes : 

"I purchased my first bucks from the Rev. D. S. Babb flock of 
goats, in this State, and have used great care in my selections ever 
since. Have always selected them from flocks well known for purity 
of blood. 

"My does shear three and one-half pounds; wethers four and one- 
half to eight pounds. 

"Weight of my goats is about 100 pounds for wethers and seventy- 
five pounds for does. 

"I sell bucks at $10.00 to $25.00, and does $5.00 to $10.00." 

Mr. H. W. Galbraith, Montell, Texas, writes : 

"My first pure-bred bucks were of the 'Landrum' stock, and I have 
since used some 'Divine' and 'Harris & Baylor' goats. 



5<?o A Nezv Industry. 

"The average of my flock is four pounds for wethers, three pounds 
for does, and two pounds for kids, but I have many individual goats that 
will shear much above these weights." 

Messrs. Doughten & Luttrell, Lipan, Texas, writes: 

"Our flock of goats was started in 1881. 

"The average shearing capacity of the does is three pounds, but 
many will go much above this weight. 

"The males weigh close to 100 pounds, and females about seventy- 
five pounds. 

"The staple of mohair is fine and measures about twelve inches in 
length. 

"We sell breeding bucks at $20.00 and does $5.00." 

Mr. Tom. S. Evans, Exile P. O.. Texas, writes : 

"I purchased my full-blood goats from W. M. Landrum in 1885. 

"My flock averages three pounds for does and four for wethers, 
but quite a good many will do much better. 

"My staple of mohair is nine inches with a growth of six months. 

"My does weigh eighty-five pounds. 

"I have not made a practice of raising bucks for breeding purposes 
but can recommend W. M. Landrum stock." 

Mr. D. G. Avery, Marathon, Texas, writes : 

"My flock of goats was started by F. Garst from goats purchased 
from C. P. Bailey, of San Jose, Cal. 

"The average of does is three and one-half pounds. 

"Staple of mohair thirteen inches in length. 

"Weight of animals 130 pounds for male and ninety pounds for 
female. 

"My prices are $25.00 for bucks and $5.00 to $15.00 for does." 

Mr. J- W. Garrett, Mountain Home, Texas, writes: 

"My flock was started from 'Fink' goats and I have since added 
to them a lot of 'Divine' goats. 

"Have never paid very strict attention to breeding for bucks. I 
sell my choice bucks at $10.00, and does at $5.00. 

Col. B. L. Crouch, Pearsall, Texas, writes : 

"I am not engaged in breeding Angoras at the present time,, but 
feel a very deep interest in the industry. I bred them with considerable 
satisfaction and profit from 1872 to 1893." 




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Stafcnicnts of Breeders About Shearing Capaeily of Goats. S23 

Col. W. W. Haupt, Kyle, Texas : 

■"I sold all my goats to Mr. W. G. Hughes, of Hastings P. O., 
Texas, in 1893." 

Mr. O. Dowell,^* Florence, Oregon, writes: 

"My goats weigh heavy — 185 pounds for bucks, and 145 pounds for 
does, gross. 

"The does shear between two and one-half and three pounds, and 
wethers five pounds, of eleven and one-half inch mohair. 

"I do not raise bucks for sale, but can recommend Geo. A. Houck, 
of Eugene, and Oscar Tom, Angora, Oregon." 

Mr. T. H. Hawle}', Monmouth, Oregon, writes : 

"Our goats shear four pounds for does and seven pounds for wethers 
but many will go above this. 

"We sell bucks at $10.00 and does $5.00." 

Mr. W. D. Claggett, Salem, Oregon, writes : 

"My flock of goats was started with bucks from the 'Eutichides' 
importation in 1867. 

"My does shear from four to six pounds and have a staple twelve 
to fourteen inches in length. 

"I have been selling breeding bucks at $25.00. My goats are exceed- 
ingly fine wooled, but are not large in frame." 

Mr. N. Woodward, Dallas, Polk County, Oregon, writes : 

"My docs range from three pounds to six pounds of mohair, twelve 
inches long. 

"I sell breeding bucks from $10.00 to $25.00, and does at $5.00 to 
$10.00, according to quality." 

Mr. Scott Obye, North Yamhill, Oregon, writes : 

"My flock of Angora goats averages four and three-fourths pounds 
for does, and five and three-fourths pounds for wethers, but I have many 
does that shear as high as seven and seven and one-half, and have had one 
go as high as eight pounds. The staple of my mohair measures fourteen 
"ind one-half inches in length. 

"I have been selling bucks for breeding purposes at $20.00 to $25.00, 
and does $10.00 to $15.00, according to quality." 



*Mr. O. Dowell is the President of the "Coast Mohair Asso- 
ciation," Florence, Oregon, of which Frank H. Rodgers, Gardner, 
Oregon, is Secretary. 



3^4 A Nczv Industry. 

Mr. James McDonald, Morrison, Oregon, writes : 

"My flock was started in 1883. 

"My does shear, now, an average of five pounds. I have been 
breeding for bucks and sell at $10.00 per head for both bucks and does. 

"My bucks shear from seven to nine and one-half pounds, of twelve 
inch mohair, and have had some go as high as thirteen inches." 

Mr. Oscar Tom, Angora, Oregon, writes : 

"I have been raising my goats chiefly for breeding bucks, which T 
have been selling at $10.00, and my culled does at $5.00. 

"My does shear four pounds each of mohair, eight to twelve inches 
in length." 

Mr. D. A. Walker, Carlton, Oregon, writes : 

"I started with old Spanish goats twenty-seven years ago. My does 
now shear very near flve pounds (4 14-16 pounds), of twelve inch mohair. 

"I have only got 125 head, as I have made a practice of culling out 
every year, picking out the oldest and poorest shearers. 

"I do not sell my best goats, but can refer buyers of breeding 
bucks to A. Blackburn, North Yamhill." 

Mr. Masters, Cleveland Oregon, says : 

"My flock of goats was started by my father, the Rev. C. B. 
jMasters, now of Coos County. He was an old breeder, and bred them 
with great care until he became too old to give them the proper atten- 
tion, when he sold them to me. 

"They were originally started from the W. M. Landrum goats, of 
California, in 1872. 

"My does shear from three pounds to seven pounds, and wethers 
from five to eight pounds; staple of mohair nine to eleven inches. 

"I have only paid a little attention lo breeding for bucks, and have 
sold at $10.00 to $25.00 for bucks, and $5.00 to $15.00 for does, according 
to quality." 

Mr. A. Blackburn, North Yamhill, Oregon, writes : 

"My flock of goats was started from goats purchased from D. C. 
Stewart & Son, who got their start from 'Landrum.' 

"My flock shears four pounds for does, and six pounds for wethers, 
but I have many that will go much over this. 

"My staple is eleven inches in length. 




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Stafoiioifs of Breeders About Shearing Ccpaeity of Goats. 327 

"I have been breeding for bucks, which I sell at $10.00 up to $25.00. 
according to quaHty. My does I do not sell. 

"I recently purchased a buck from W. G. Hughes & Co., of your 
State, which is a good goat." 

Mr. J. M. Hassler, Larwood, Oregon writes : 

"My does shear from three to four pounds of mohair, eight to 
twelve inches in length. I have raised some breeding bucks, which 
sheared from seven to nine pounds, and have sold all the way from 
$8.00 to $25.00, according to quality. I will give you a statement of 
my experience with fifty head of goats purchased in April, 1895, for 
$87.50: 

1895. Sold, mohair, $31.40; and goats, $35.00 $ 66 40 

189(1 Sold, mohair, $60.35; goats, $22.75 83 10 

1897. Sold, mohair, $45.15; goats, $60.00 105 15 

1898. Sold, mohair. $83.70; goats, $28.00 106 70 

1899. Sold, mohair, $93.60; goats, $209.50 303 12 



$664 47 
And I have on hand still 78 head. 

Mr. Geo. A. Houck, Eugene, Oregon, writes : 

The flock of goats which I now own was started originally by Mr. 
Ari Cantrell between 1860 and 1870, who was the pioneer goat breeder 
in this State. 

Mr. Cantrell purchased about 150 head of three-fourths to seven- 
eighths grades from Landrum & Butterfield at $12.60, and paid $1500 for 
a pure blooded buck and one yearling doe. He afterwards purchased 
pure bred bucks from Landrum & Rogers of California. He bred for 
fine silky fibre and his best goats became very small in consequence, — as 
well as very tender and delicate in constitution. 

My father purchased his entire flock in 1885, and put with them two 
bucks purchased from C. P. Bailey. Mr. Cantrell showed me three 

does he said were direct descendants from his full blood doe that, he 
purchased originally, and from the offspring of these, bred from a 
"Bailey" buck, I secured a buck that sheared ten and a half pounds. 

"I never saw a better breeder than he was, and one of his kids 
sheared as high as eleven and one-fourth pounds last spring. I have 
never offered to sell any goats for breeding purposes until 1897 and have 
sold since then at $15.00 to $25.00 according to quality. 

"I keep a register of their breeding. I am breeding for carcass, 
constitiution and w^eight of fleece. My flock consists of about 1500 
head." 



3^8 A Nczv Industry. 

CALIFORNIA. Philo Ogden, Upper Lake, Cal. : 

"I started my flock of goats with full-blood bucks from C. P. Bailey 
of San Jose California. 

"My does average five pounds and wethers seven. My mohair meas- 
ures thirteen inches in length. My wethers weigh 100 pounds and does 
eighty pounds. I have never made a practice of raising any bucks for 
sale, but intend doing so in the future." 

Mr. James H. Dunison, Upper Lake, Cal., writes : 

"My does average four pounds and wethers five pounds. The whole 
flock will average three and a half, taking in the kids. The staple of my 
mohair is thirteen inches long. I have not made a business of raising 
breeding bucks, but can recommend W. W. Green of this county." 

Messrs. Conklin Bros., Newville, Cal., writes : 

"Our flock of thoroughbred goats was started with three does and 
one buck imported from Turkey by Mr. Eutichides, in 1870 by Mr. Julius 
Weyand (deceased) who purchased them from Dr. Cummings, and they 
afterwards passed into our possession, and have been kept absolutely 
free from any crossing with common goats ever since. 

"Mr. Weyand was a highly educated man, and was very systematic 
in all his work, and his register was kept up with great care and exactness, 
which we have continued upon the same system as he inaugurated, there- 
fore we claim our flock of 'thoroughbreds' are thoroughbred indeed. 

"We bred one buck that sheared nine pounds in the fall, and three 
pounds and three ounces in the spring, making twelve pounds and three 
ounces for the twelve months' growth. This is the heaviest goat we 
ever sheared. From six to nine pounds is about the average weight of 
our bucks, more of them the heavier than the lighter weight. Our rec- 
ord of breeding is so systematic that we can select and tell exactly how 
each goat is bred, by its number. 

"We have a large flock that we keep no record of that appear to 
be as fine as our thoroughbreds. We have made a business of selling 
bucks for breeding purposes at from $35 to $50. The staple of our 
moliair is thirteen inches in length. Weight of males 165 and females 
120. We think our thoroughbred flock has no superior in the State." 

Mr. Jas. Wilder, Paskenta, Cal., writes: 

"I have been in the goat business eleven years on a small scale. I 
never had over 450 head on my place at one time. I would refer you 
to Mr. Wm. Harland of Williams Station; Conklin Brothers and C. 
W. Foreman, both of Newville, Glen County, and John Hull, Croam- 
ville. Glen County, who are all breeders of Angora goats." 




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Statciiioifs of Breeders About SJieariiig Capaeity of Goats, ^ji 

Mr. A. Moon, Ono, Snasta County, Cal.. writes : 

"My flock was started with pure bred bucks purchased from Conk- 
lin Brothers of Newville, in 1895. 

"My does average between three and four pounds mohair, six tc 
eight inches long at six months cHp. I do not raise bucks for breeding 
purposes, but can recommend Conkhn Brothers." 

Mr. Jacob Oaks, Paskenta, Cal., writes: 

"I purchased my first breeding bucks from Conklin Brothers in 
1892 and can recommend them. I am a general farmer and I do not 
raise goats especially for breeding purposes. My does average three 
pounds and wethers five pounds of twelve inch mohair. 

Mr. E. L. Maze, Upper Lake, Cal., wTites : 

"My flock of Angoras average four pounds for the does and six 
pounds for wethers , but many individual goats will shear above this 
average. The weight of our wether goats is 100 ponds a d does seventy- 
five pounds. 

"We breed and sell breeding bucks at $50.00 and does at $20.00. 

Mr. J. M. Wimmer, Millville, Cal, writes: 

"My band of goats was started with bucks bought from J. S. Har- 
ris, now of Oakley, Idaho. 

"I started in 1878 with 120 head of doe kids, about three-fourths 
grades, and have been breeding to the best bucks I could get. I have 
wethers^ in the band that will shear eight and nine pounds and does that 
will shear five and six, and kids that will shear four; but three pounds 
is about what the whole band will average. 

"I have not made a practice of breeding bucks for sale." 

Mr. C. P. Bailey, San Jose, Cal, writes : 

"My first pure-blood bucks came from the 'Chenery' importation to 
Boston, Massachusetts. My band averages four pounds for does, five 
and a half for wethers and two for kids, but I have many individual 
goats that will shear much heavier. My mohair ranges from eight to 
ten inches. I have made importations of breeding bucks from South 
Africa." 

"The following is an extract from the Associated Press cables, 
with reference to a sample of mohair grown by me, which I sent to 
Bradford, England, for examination: 

"A stir has been caused in England by a mohair fleece grown in 
California, and it is stated that if fleeces of the same uniform quality can 



JJ2 A Nezv Indiistry. 

be grown there the triumph of the United States as a mohair producer 
is assured. The American grown mohair fleece which has been exhibi- 
ted for the past week was forwarded by C. P. Bailey of San Jose, Cal. 
The fleece is that of a two-year-old graded doe and the quality of the 
hair has been the wonder of all who have seen it." 

"One of the leading merchants, in commenting on it, said: 

"I have now in my warehouse about two hundred thousand dollars 
worth of mohair both Turkish and Cape, and I am entirely sincere 
when I state that there is not a better fleece in the whole lot. I will buy 
all the American mohair like that at the market price and I do not 
know but that I would pay more than the market price. I say unhesi- 
tatingly that the sample fleece is as good mohair as is grown." 

Mr. R. J. Linton, Ager, Cal., writes : 

"I breed largely for breeding purposes and sell bucks at $50 and 
does $50. I keep up a register of my pure-bred flock." 

"My band of goats was started in 1883. My present shearing is 
three and a half pounds for does, four and a half for wethers and two 
and a half for kids. Staple of mohair six inches in length. I sell my 
best shearing bucks at $'25 and does $15." 

Mr. E. Weistrand, Cooney, N. M., writes : 

"The average shearing of my Angoras is as follows: Does, three 
to five pounds; wethers, five to seven pounds; kids, two and a half to 
four pounds. 

"I do not make a practice of breeding bucks for sale. I purchased 
four bucks from J. S. Harris of Oakley, Idaho in 1897, and they are 
the best I have seen in New Mexico." 

Mr. J. C. Hightower, Rindosa, N. M., writes : 

"My Angora goats average four pounds for does, six pounds for 
wethers and two pounds for kids. Staple of mohair eleven inches. 

"My price for bucks is $10.00 and does the same. My bucks shear 
about seven pounds." 

Mr. D. C. Taylor, Lake Valley, N: M., writes : 

"I commenced the goat business thirteen years ago. I was dead 
broke and bought ninety-nine Mexican does on time at $1.50 each. 
My first bucks came from J. M. Arnold, of Texas. I have since used 'C. 
P. Bailey' bucks and have used one 'Landrum' buck. I now have about 
2(300 goats (1100 does and 1500 wethers and bucks). They are all extra 
good. I have not a doe that will shear less than three and a half pounds 
up to six and a half pounds, and wethers from four to seven. My bucks 
sheared last spring ten pounds each. 




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Statements of Breeders About Slieari)ig Capacity of Goats, jjj 

"I sell bucks at $25 each with mohair (not dog hair) all around their 
eyes and face and down to the hoofs, that I think will make eleven 
pounds, bucks at two years old. I sold twenty-two bucks last fall. 

"My bucks have five or six inch mohair now (July) and about eight 
months more time to grow before shearing. A very few of my goats 
shed any which I think is a big thing. 

"I think the possibilities of the Angora goat are as great as the sheep 
and you know what the Americans did with the old 'Spanish merino.' 
I am trying to get on top. Have nothing else to do, and do not need 
any money." 

PLATE XXXII. 




YEARLING ANGORA BUCK. 
Raised by Mr. D. C. Taylor. Lake Valley, New Mexico, showing seven months' growth ot mohair. 



A. D. Norcop, Sepan, N. M. : 

"My first bucks came from C. P. Bailey. My does shear an aver- 
age of three and a half pounds, wethers five and a half, and kids two 
pounds. Mohair eleven inches. My wethers weigh 120 pounds. I 
have not yet sold any of my best goats." 

The Onderdonk Live Stock Company, Lamy, N. M., write : 



jjd A Nezv Industry. 

-- :"We have' on^ha<nd at the present time 8000 head of Mexican goats 
and about 1800 Angoras. Have only started with Angoras this year 
(1900) and have none for sale as yet." , 

Dr. J. R. Standley, Platteville, Iowa, writes : 

"I became interested in the Angora go t industry in 1893. My first 
buck "came from the Col. Scott flock of Kentucky, and I have since pur- 
chased the entire flock of 'Peters' goats from the estate of- the late Col. 
Richard Peters of Atlanta, Georgia. 

"The weight of my wethers is about 100 pounds and for does eighty 
pounds. Mohair measures thirteen and a half inches, well distributed 
over the body, chest and belly. I send a photograph of some of the does. 
My price for bucks ranges from $40.00 up, and from $15 up for does, 
according to individual merit." 

Mr. S. S. McKibben, Earlham, Madison, County, Iowa, 
writes : 

"My first introduction into the Angora goat business was in 1895. 
through Dr. J. R. Standley of this State. I have since handled goats 
largely and have sold upwards of five thousand head, principally does, 
which I have received altogether from Texas. I am now breedng a 
Ifock of about one hundred very choice does to my hornless buck 'Ad- 
miral Dewey,' which I regard the finest type of Angora goat in the Uni- 
ted States, combining both mohair and mutton qualities to perfection. 
I have not yet sold any of my buck kids from 'Dewey,' only having about, 
four, but will be prepared to supply them, from my present (May 1900) 
crop of kids which I shall dispose of at $50 to $100.00 according to indi- 
vidual merits. I send you a photograph of 'Dewey' with two of his 
kids taken in September." 

Mr. J. C. Morton, Indianola, Iowa, writes : 

"I became interested in the Angora goat in 1898, purchasing some 
very choice does from Texas, which show an average of three pounds 
each. I got them for the purpose of clearing brush land which I have 
accomplished, and have concluded to keep them for breeding. Have 
been selling bucks from $10.00 up according to quality." 

Messrs. Morgan & Morgan, Clay, Iowa, write : 

"We started with the Angora goat in 1897 from goats purchased of 
Dr. J. R. Standley of Platteville, Iowa. The does shear three to four 
pounds and produce a very fine mohair fourteen inches in length. Have 
been selling our bucks at $15.00 up; and does, $10.00 up, according to 
merit." 




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Stafviih'iifs of Breeders About Slieariiig Capacity of Goats, jjp 

Mr. J. R. Barnette, Globe, Ariz., writes : 

"I purchased my first pure-bred bucks from Wm. M. Landrum of 
Laguna, Texas, in 1898. My does shear two and a half to three pounds, 
wethers four to four and a half pounds. Mohair twelve inches. Have 
not made a practice of selling bucks for breeding purposes yet. My 
price for high grade does is $4 to $5 each." 

Mr. Wm. Horn, Camp Verde, Ariz., writes: 

"I do not breed any goats for breeding purposes. My flock con- 
sists of grades shearing one and a half to tw.o pounds for does, and two 
to two and a half pounds for wethers. Eight inch staple. 

"Have been asking $3 to $4 per head for my goats." 

Mr. Ira Harper, Clifton, Ariz., writes 

"I only have 190 head at present (September, 1899). Have sold and 
killed fifty head wethers that netted me $2.50 for the meat. I generally 
sel'. my wethers at eighteen months old and some at twelve months. 

"My entire flock averages two and a half pounds mohair measuring 
six inches long." 

Mr. J. F. Holder, Payson, Ariz., writes : 

"I purchased my first bucks from C. P. Bailey of San Jose, Cal. 
"My flock shears three pounds for does, four pounds for wethers. 
Mohair from nine to twelve inches. 

"Have been selling bucks to my neighbors at $15.00 each." 

Mr. T. Clome Miles, Silver Bend, Mont., writes : 

"My first bucks came from Sargent Brothers, Colorado. 'My flock 
shears three and a half pounds for does and five pounds for wethers, 
with a staple of nine inch mohair. 

"My price for best breeding bucks is $50.00 and does $20.00." 

Air. S. S. Brannin, Marysville, Mont., writes : 

"My Angora goats shear for does three pounds and wethers lour 
and a half pounds. I have never made a practice of breeding bucks 
for sale, My price for breeding does is $5.00 per head." 

Mr. J. S. Harris, Oakley, writes : 

"I have divided my flock of goats into three parts in order to be 
able to .oupply breeders with bucks more easily than from this point, 
which is very inaccessible. One of my subdivisions is located at Salem. 
Oregon, in company with ]\Ir. J. B. Early; another is at Montell, 
Uvalde County, Texas, in company with Mr. Geo. W. Baylor; and, the 
third, I have kept here. 



J70 A Nczv Industry. 

'"They are all practically the same kind of stock, as I have had only 
the one strain of blood for many years, which I selected myself m Asia 
Minor in 1875. I claim to have as pure-bred goats as can be found 
in the world. 

"For a number of years after my return from Asia there was very 
little general interest taken in the Angora goat industry in this country, 
and for that reason I did not save many more bucks than I wanted tc 
use in my own flock. I made wethers out of my males, and depended 
entirely on the proceeds from mohair lor the profit in handling them 
which has been very satisfactory. The recent revival in the demand 
for breeding stock has encouraged me to save all my male kids; and 
being situated so far from the center of trade I have divided my iiock 
as above stated. I have raised one buck that sheared as high as eighteen 
and a half pounds of mohair in twelve months in two searings, and fif- 
teen pounds at one shearing. I would give a thousand dollars to have 
another like him raised in Asia Minor." 

Dr. Tuttle, Tacoma, Wash., writes: 

"I received my first goats from Mr. McCorkle of Oregon. I have 
only a limited unmiber, and have sold my bucks for $"25.00 for breeding- 
purposes. My does shear six pounds of thirteen inch mohair, bucks 
eight pounds." 

Mr. Chris Niehson, Burlington, Wyo., writes : 
"My first buck came from Bailey of California, through Mr. Brom- 
ley of Utah. The flock consists of about 1500 head (August, 1899) 
and shears four pounds for does, six -pounds for wethers, of twelve inch 
mohair. I have been selling breeding bucks at $50.00 and does at $8.00." 

Mr. Jos R. HambHn, Kanab, Utah, writes : 

"I began breeding the Angora goat in 1897. My does shear two 
and a half pounds and over, wethers three and a fourth and over. My 
finest mohair is fifteen inches, some of it only twelve inches. 

"I do not raise any bucks for sale." 

Mr. R. C. Johnston, Lawrence, Kansas, writes : 

"I have only been interested in Angora goats about one year. Was 
attracted to them by their great utility as brush exterminators, and have 
imported and sold no less than five thousand head from Texas, which 
have been distributed mainly in Kansas, and some in Missouri. 

"I have decided to make the Angora goat a prominent feature in 
my farming interests in the future, as I regard them as being one of the 
most valuable species of live stock that I can raise. I purchased from 
Gunzer Brothers, Texas, their entire flock of goats only a month or two 




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Sfalci/iciifs of Breeders About Shearing Capacity of Goats. 575 

ago, which consists of about 500 head of very beautiful goats shearing 
fully an average of three and a half pounds of fine mohair twelve inches 
long, in Texas, which will probably make them five pound shearers in 
this climate. Many of the does will shear upwards of five and 
six pounds at this time, which I shall select and use for a stud 
tiock and expect to sell my bucks at $"25.00 and upwards, according to 
shearing qualities. The does I do not care to sell yet. 

"The 'Gunzer' flock originated from the 'Devine' goats, which came 
out of the 'Peters' stock, and they out of the 'Davis' goats, originally 
imported from Asia Minor." 

Mr. Wni. J. Seever, Secretary "Missouri Historical Socie- 
ty," St. Louis, Mo., writes: 

"I purchased my first Angora goats from Dr. J. R. Standley of 
Iowa, in 1898. I have only a small number of them on hand and have 
none for sale at present. I know that the following farmers have some, 
but as to their price, or disposition to sell, I am not familiar: 

"A. A. Glassey, Cuba, Mo. 

"Sligo Furnace Co., Sligo, Mo. 

"H. M. Ruime, Pacific, Mo. 

"John L. Hooker, Clementine, Mo. 

"Charles T. INIoore, Nashville, 111. 

"George Dressendorfer, Macedonia, ^lo. 

"C. M. Buck, Union, Mo. 

"B. S. Knapp, RoUa, Mo. 

"G. Pauls, Eureka, Mo. 

"T,. L- Chamberlain, Rolla, \[o. 

"Wm. C. Dickinson, Rolla, ]Mo. 

"T. A. Murphy, Dixon, Mo. 

"John Regsby, Newton, Phelps County, Mo. 

"Charles Ruepple, Stanton, Mo. 

"Henry Frauz, Rolla, Mo. 

'■J. H. Canada, iMexico, Mo." 

]\lr. A. Lippincutt, Sheridan, Mo., writes : 
"I first became interested in Angora goats in 1898 through Dr. J. 
R. Standley of Iowa. My does shear five pounds of mohair, eight inches 
long. I have been selling bucks at $10 to $15 and does $6 to $10." 

^Ir. J. K. Young, Woodward, O. T., writes : 

"I purchased my first Angora goats in 1895 from Francis Garst. 
My does shear three pounds and wethers five pounds, mohair measures 
thirteen inches. Weight of wethers 100 pounds and does seventy-five 
pounds. My price for breeding bucks is $25.00 and does $15.00 per 
liead." 



244 ' ^^ Nczv Industrv- 

Mr. O. D. Hill, Kendalia, West Va., writes: 

"I commenced handling the Angora goat in 189'2, which were per- 
haps the first that were taken into West Virginia. 

"My does shear about three pounds and wethers as high as six to 
eight pounds. Mohair is very long and ranges about eighteen inches. 
My price for breeding bucks has been $25.00 per head, and "breeding does 
the same."" 

Estate of James A. Bell, Bell Hill, Conn. : 

"Mr. Kansas N. Bill, th e executor of his father's estate, writes 
that they became interested in . the Angora goat upwards of twenty 
years ago, through Mr. Terrell of Cheshire, who obtained them from 
Col. Richard Peters of Atlanta, Georgia. 

"Have always had a sale for them at $18 to $25 per pair. 

"He mentions the following, other persons who are raising the An- 
gora in Connecticut: 

"Mr. James B. Palmer, Lisbon, Conn. 

"Mr. D. H. Van Hosear, Hurlburst, Conn. 

"Mr. C. B. Wood, North Lynne, P. O. address. Chicago, 111."" 

NORTH CAROLINA. Lafayette Holt. Burli|bgton, N. C. : 

. "I purchased my first Angora goats in 1893. 
"Have not been breeding for bucks, but will probably do so later on." 




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CHAPTER XXV. 

CLEARING BRUSHY LAND, AND HOW THE WORK IS DONE. 

The greatest profit in breeding the Angora goat is, perhaps, 
n} connection with the clearing up ot some old, worn-out farm 
that is grown up with briars and brush, and restoring it to a 
condition of fertility and usefulness , or, bv purchasing some 
native forest or stump land and converting it into good farming 
land. The latter plan has been followed, and is still carried on, 
with great success, in Iowa, Oregon, and California; and, the old 
States, in the East, ofifer many oppoitunities to carry out the 
former, which can be done by the purchase of some of the aban- 
doned farms in that section. 

In the more central States, like Missouri, Kansas, and Ark- 
ansas, farmers are troubled with a most aggarvating kind of 
growth, known as buck- brush, which produces a small red berry 
that bn-ds are very fond of, and they distribute them over the 
face of the whole country to such extent that, in some places, en- 
tire fields have been covered by the brush, which throws out a 
running root, and, in a very short time-, the pastures become 
]Dractically worthless. No kind of stock will touch it, and it was 
a serious question among the land owners where it exists, as to 
what they could do to exterminate, or at least keep it back. 
They had heard of the Angora goat's great fondness for brush 
of all description, and the first experiment with them solved the 
problem, and it is getting to be quite common now for farmers 
in this section to have a small flock of these goats. 

In many other parts of our country and in Canada, the 
"Canadian thistle'' is the bane of the farmer, and stringent laws 
are employed to keep this worthless weed from spreading. The 
Angora goat regards this as one of the choicest kinds of diet, 
and takes o-reat delia-ht in eatins: it whenever it can be found. 



2 48 A NcTV Industry. 

It is quite obvious that if a breeder can connect the raising 
of this animal for mohair, upon such lands as I have mentioned, 
the profits will be much larger than where he is compelled to 
rent land for the simple support of his stock. 

I have collected quite a mass of testimony from practical 
breeders who have had experience in their several States in 
clearing land which will assist new beginners in learning how 
this work is carried on. 

Dr. J. R. vStandley, of Platteville, Iowa, is deservedly entitled 
to the credit of introducing this practice into his State, which he 
began in 1893, by the purchase of some three or four hundred 
goats in Texas. His neighbors thought he was certainly de- 
mented when they saw him actually turn loose these animals 
on his beautiful farm, but they very soon began to realize that 
there was much method in the doctor's madness. Reference 
has already been made to the great success he acheived, and 
plates XX. and XXI, will convey a more correct idea of how 
efi^ectually his work was accomplished — making out of a worth- 
less thicket of brush a most attractive and beautiful pasture. 

Plate XIX shows a small bunch of Angoras at work on the 
farm of Mr. S. S. McKibben, of Earlham, in Madison County. 
It will be observed that the goats have gotten the brush all 
destroyed in the enclosure they are in, and are trying to reach the 
brush in the neighboring field, rather than eat the grass in 
their own. 

The third illustration, or plate XXII, was taken on the 
farm of the Hon. A. H. Edwards, of Audubon, Iowa, who 
writes me as follows : 

"I have had but limited experience with goats. I have used them for 
clearing up a pasture of eighty acres, in which about forty acres was 
densely covered with 'grubs,' (a species of burr-oak dwarfed, probably, 
by plains fires, as our land is naturally prairie.) 

"T have had in the pasture an average of 100 sheep and 400 goats for 
live months, and forty head of cattle for one month. Three weeks ago 
the oak leaves within reach of the goats were gone. I send you a photo- 
graph of my field showing the good work done by them." 

Dr. J. R. Standley, of Plattville, Iowa, prepared the follow- 
ing paper, at my request, giving a very clear statement of his 
experience in the matter of 



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Clcarijig Brushy Laud, and Hotc flic Work is Done. ^^i 

HOW TO CLEAR BKUSH LAND WITH GOATS. 

"To commence this article I want to say that my exeperience in 
clearing brush land with goats has been entirely with Angora goats, 
most of them pretty well bred with about 300 'full-bloods.' 

"I can see no reason why the common goat would not be just as 
good. 

"I suppose I was the first man who ever tried keeping goats for clear- 
ing land of brush. I want to say, here, that I was in such a fix, I was 
compelled to do something. I had on hand several hundred acres ol 
land known as 'barnes,' and worse, some of it, for a great portion of it 
was so densely covered with hazel, plum, crab-apple, box-alder, witch- 
hazel, and other varieties of undergrowth known in this country, that 
hundreds of acres did not produce a single spear of grass of any kind, 
and not many weeds. Millions of acres of land in the middle Northwest 
of the United States is today so set with undergrowth that it is impossible 
to get even the worth of the annual taxes out of the land, in the common 
way of pasturing the kinds of live-stock heretofore kept in this country. 

"Little, very little, seems to be known of the use of goats in reclaim- 
ing the wilderness. The man who clears brush-land in the old way. 
by grub, hoe and plow, is behind the times. 

"Think a little, kind reader: It is worth from five or six dollars 
per acre to fifteen or twenty dollars per acre to clear brush land, and even 
then a great deal of the very best kind of grass land is too rough to plow. 
And besides, along streams, there are so many nooks and bends and 
bluffs, that never could be plowed; and, the pastures, many of them, 
after they have been pastured many years, become set in briars, buck- 
brush or turkey-berry, so that the grass nearly all dies. A few Angora 
goats will kill all this, and make more grass than if they were not in 
the pasture, 

"You can commence by cutting everything the goats cannot bend 
down, trees, bushes, etc. Never cut hazel: they like the old hazel best, 
and kill it better than the sprouts. 

"To fence for goats, 26 inch woven wire, and two or three barbed 
wires above, is the best fence I have ever made. I have some old- 
fashioned rail fence, Osage hedge, and seven-barbed-wire fence that 
turn them, but the first named, I call the best. 

"Two years is sufficient to kill hazel, and any stumps of any timber 
that grows in this Country (Southern Iowa). 

"Some people think goats kill bi-ush by eating it, but this is not so. 
Goats do not eat the brush, they only denude the brush of its leaves, 
and continue so to do, which makes the brush sick to the very extremity 
of the roots, causing the roots to die as soon as the tops of the brush, 
consequently, no sprouting. Land cleared in the old way will have more 
or less sprouts for many years, and nooks and bends in branches and 
fence corners which are a never-ending eye-sore. 



J52 V A Nezv Industry. 

"The goats do it more perfectly than any way. I have several 
hundred acres now as clean as a lawn, and as well set in grass, by the 
work of these pesky little animals. And not only clear of brush, but it 
is the common remark of all who visit my place that I have no weeds, 
or comparatively none. 

"Now for one minute more, kind reader, give me your full at- 
tention. 

"Say eighty acres of brush-land, bringing no revenue, is furnished 
with a good fence and two hundred Angora goats, good grade, that 
will shear three pounds per head of good staple mohair, mostly eight 
inches in length, worth now thirty-six cents per pound; this eighty 
acres will furnish all the feedi the goats need for one-half the year, 
the other half, feed as sheep. 600 pounds of mohair at 36 cents, 
$216.00. It is fair to say that one-half of this $216.00 is for the use of 
the eighty acres of land which is not worth anything for other stock. 

"I have simply given these figures to show that the goats will give 
near, or about, the same revenue as the same number of sheep, and live 
during the summer, on what no other animal will live on. Now, count 
three years to clear this land, and set it in grass, and you have the nice 
sum of $324.00 to the credit of your goats, and also the clearing of the 
eighty acres, worth surely $800.00. And aga'n, if your goats are one-h-.lf 
or more females, you have raised young as well, and as many as a like 
number of sheep. 

"Now, you have eighty acres of clear land and the clearing has cost 
less than nothing. Can you afford to leave that brush? Verily, no! 
Buy goats. If you can not get good grade Angora goats, buy common 
goats, and pure-bred bucks, and make money on the goats while you are 
clearing your land. When your land is cleared sell to that neighbor who 
needs them; he will want them before you are through with them. 

I am fully of the opinion that it will pay to keep Angora goats as 
W'Ced exterminators. The goat being a browsing and not -a grazing ani- 
mal makes him doubly valuable to the man with brush land. 

"It is not my desire to go into the uses to which the Angora goat 
may be put (except in a cursory way), except the clearing of brush 
land. This is not the only prfit of the Angora, by any means. Mohair, 
meat, skins to make rugs and mats, and milk, are sources of revenue 
from the goat. 

"Yes, verily, I believe the Angora goat a more profitable animal 
than the sheep, aside from his very superior qualities as a browser. 

"I do not wish to over-draw the Angora, neither do I believe I have 
so done. Nor do I wish to convey the idea that the sheep is an inferior 
animal. While I believe the Angora goat a better animal than the 
sheep, I think the sheep the next best animal." 




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Clearing Brushy Land, and Hoic the Jl\vk is Done. ^j^^ 

S. S. McKibben, Eaiiham, Madison County, says: 

"Referring to your inquiry as to the experience I have had with 
clearing off brush land by the use of Angora goats I would state, I 
was first attracted to the plan by reading a short article from the pen 
of Dr. J. R. Standley of Platteville, Iowa, and I later visited his farm 
and saw the wonderful work he had accomplished. Ipurchased a few 
at first and satisfied myself that they would do all that was claimed for 
them and I then determined to engage in the business of raising the 
Angora as a farm animal, for profit, and dealing in them generally. I 
began this business in 1897-98, and have imported from Texas and sold 
to other farmers in this State no less than five thousand head of these 
animals. I have thoroughly removed all the brush on my farm, and have 
had to secure other places to hold goats that I have received during the 
past year. The Angora goat is, in my judgment, one of the most profi- 
table animals the farmers of any country can keep where they are troub- 
led with either weeds or brush. They will eat, and do well, on any of 
the brush that grows in Iowa, such as sumac, hazel, buck-brush, elder, 
dog-wood, etc., but they do not take to the hickory very well; yet, 
if confined for some time they will remove this, too. 

"One hundred goats to forty acres of brush land will be quite enough 
to use. and they will kill it out in two years. The manure which these 
animals will drop, and distribute, over the land is really worth more 
than the little feed that is necessary to throw them in the winter time, 
to sa}' nothing of the improved grazing character of the land, which will 
be made into a most perfect blue grass pasture in our section of the 
State." 

Capt. T- ^lurray Hoag, of Maquoketa, Iowa, says : 

"I find the Angora goat a veritable gold mine as a brush extermi- 
nator. They not only clear the ground of brush and weeds but enrich 
it evenly as they work, thus giving the blue grass, natural to our soil, 
a chance to grow luxuriantly. As money makers sheep are not in it with 
the Angora. They not only live but thrive upon that which we consider 
of no value. They are free from the many diseases common to sheep. 
Dogs soon learn to keep their distance. Their hair as a textile fabric 
ranks next to silk, and lastly they are pleasant to handle and an adorn- 
ment to the farm. You are I think, right in recommending good grade 
does and full blood rams for the average buyer, as pure bred does are al- 
most beyond the reach of conservative men. By this combination 
good shearing goats are the immediate result and a prize flock yours 
in the near future. I am buying some high priced Angoras in both 
California and Texas, to say nothing of an importation I am making 
from South Africa, as my plan is to have representated in my flocks the 



S^6 A Nczv Industry. 

best obtainable strains, at same time I would consider it a slow business- 
but for the grade Angoras I have and am getting in considerable num- 
bers. 

"Sell all the grade Angoras you can and the day is not far distant 
when your patrons will reap their reward and thank you for directing 
them aright." 

Mr. J. C. Morton, Indianola, Iowa, says : 

"I got my goats mainly to clear brushy land and they have done it 
to my entire satisfaction. Not less than five goats to one acre of land is 
required to clean it up properly, unless the brush is very thin. They 
will kill all kinds of brush they can reach. 

"It is only necessary to confine them on the land you want to clear 
and they will do the rest of the work." 

Mr. A. R. Tate, Wintersett, Iowa, says : 

"Goats are being very extensively used for clearing land in Iowa. 

"The way I do it is to cut down the timber and let it sprout for a 
couple of years. They seem to kill it much faster thin if the sprouts 
are close to the stump. They will kill hazel better if you do not cut it 
down." 

Messrs. Morgan & Morgan, Clay, Iowa, say: 

"Angora goats are being used very largely in our State for clearing- 
brush land. Our experience has been entirely satisfactory excepting 
with black hickory. 

"Large trees may be cut down and the goats will keep the sprouts 
from ever growing and will finally kill the root." 

Mr. I. J. Booth, Cresco, Iowa, says : 

'T have only handled goats a short tinje but am well pleased with the 
way they clean up brush and weeds. As to brush they beat the world. 
They take any and all kinds, oak, cherry, baswood, hickory, elm; in 
fact every green thing including weeds of all kind, except it may be the 
mullin. They will eat the thistle. My Avood lot is as clean as a road 
from both brush and weeds, and with clover to their knees. It requires 
cattle with them to eat the grass. Horses love to eat around them. 
Hundreds of people have visited my ranch to see how they can clear 
brush land. Just cut down any large trees and they will do the balance 
of the work without any urging. If I were a younger man I would make 
the Angora business a specialty." 




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Cicoriiig Bnisliy Land, and Hozc the Work is Done. jjp- 

Hon. Thcs. H. Tongue, Hillsbcro, Oregon, says : 

"Yes, goats are going to be used very extensively, for eleaning 
brush land in this State. I have some for this purpose, otherwise, I think 
I would prefer sheep. ]My experience in this matter has been very sat- 
isfactory and I am, now, not only keeping all the goats I raise, but pur- 
chase whenever I can find a suitable opportunity. There are, however, very 
few goats for sale, and those who have them are learning to use them in 
cleaning land, very profitably. Some years ago, I had slashed off land, 
burned the underbrush when dry in the fall, seeded with grass, but it had 
grown up in a few years and soon became valueless. I finally hit upon 
the plan of using goats. ]My practice is lo cut all the brush in the spring 
or summer, run fire through it, and burn it up when dry in the fall, 
then seed with grass, and the next spring begin to pasture goats to 
keep down the leaves and sprouts of the brush. About two or three 
years in this way succeeds pretty well m killing all the growth. In 
the meantime, the grass becomes well set and furnishes good pasture until 
the stumps are rotted out sufficiently for the plow. It is difficult to 
say how many goats are required, more the first year than after. It de- 
pends upon the thickness of the growth. Our undergrowth consists of 
hazel, fine maple oak and other small shrubbery. If this is very thick 
for the first year it would perhaps take three or four goats per acre, but 
for ordinary brush land, two to three goats per acre seems sufficient. I 
have now in the vicinity of 100 acres where the brush has been pretty 
well killed by this process. The stumps are nearly ro^^ted out, and in 
a very short time it will be ready for the plow. I have about 300 acres- 
more that I am preparing to treat in like manner. The benefit that the 
goats do in this particular far more than compensates for the care, 
feed and keeping. In my judgment, the fleece and increase is clean 
profit." 

Mr. N. Woodword. Dallas, Oregon, says : 

"I first cut down the brush land and large trees, and then let the 
goats run on them until there is no more sprouting, and I then take 
them ofT until they all sprout again, and get about two weeks' growth, 
and I put the goats back again; and I keep this up until everything is 
dead. It usually takes two or three years to kill it out. and about the 
same time for the stumps and roots to rot out. Our land is covered with 
fir and oak. The oak trees are small, about the size of good fire w'ood, 
from 2y2 to 12 inches in diameter, and from 25 to 30 feet high. There is 
no kind of brush in Oregon but what a goat will eat." 

Mr. O. Dowell, Florence, Oregon, says : 

"My goats will eat all kinds of brush that grows here except the 
alder. We have great A'ariety of brush, including seven or eight kinds 



j6o A Ak-'zv Iiidiislry. 

of evergreens. I am clearing up brush in bottom land. I slash the 
trush and trees, then I burn the brush and immediately sow it to grass. 
In this climate it will make a good pasture nearly all winter. After it 
is up four or five inches, I turn my cattle, hogs, and goats in, and the 
goats keep down the sprouts. Goats will kill brush that has not been 
slashed, if they are confined on it long enough. I think it will take 
fifteen or twenty goats to kill one acre of heavy brush, such as grows 
here. Some of it is so thick that a man can not walk through it." 

Mr. D. A. Walker, Carlton, Oregon, says : 

"Goats will e.'^t all kinds of brush in this country, but poison oak 
and mountain laurel." 

Mr. Geo. A. Houck, Eugene, Oregon, savs : 

"As for clearing brush, the Angora is a profitable investment here, 
even at ten cents for mohair, as he makes more land every year, and 
•our coast mountains are capable of supporting at a low estimate five 
millions of goats, there being a country ten miles wide, and three hun- 
dred miles long, that is practically unsettled along the west side of Ore- 
gon, and is excellent feed for goats. The way I clear brush, I slash 
grubs, about twenty inches high in winter, making feed for the goats: 
then when the sprouts come out in the summer, they keep it down, and 
will kill oak in two seasons if kept on the pasture all the time." 

Mr. A. Blackburn, N. Yamhill, Oregon, sa3'S : 

"Nine-tenths of the goats owned in this State are used for cleaning 
up brushy land. We cut down all they can not reach the tops of. They 
will destroy hazel, ash, and willow, in a year; and oak in three years. 
I know of no brush that they will not cat. From one to three goats 
to the acre, according to the quantity of brush, is the usual number em- 
ployed in the work." 

Mr. J. H. Hawley, Monmouth, Oregon, says : 

"Goats are used extensively for clearing brush. They are used ex- 
clusively for clearing brush land in this S'ate. The usual way is to give 
them access to the pasture, and the brush will disappear in proportion 
to the number of goats used." 

i.Ir. Frank H. i^ogers, Gardiner, Oregon, says : 

"I have found the Angora invaluable in the matter of clearing up 

brushy and fern lands. In this locality they feed mostly, or browse, 

■on sallall, thimbleberry, salmonberry, elders and fern, the latter being 

the great drawback to upland pasture land, as it grows so rapidly and 



Clearing Brushy Land, and Hoi^' tlic Work is Done. j6r 

thick as to shade out all other growths. Goats will peel the elder trees, 
some, in winter time, not exceeding four inches in diameter; all wil- 
lows; and all elders; some cherry trees (wild); but they do the best good 
tlestroying the j-oung sprouts of brush each season; the young fern as 
it comes up in the spring; and the buds; and bull thistles; and other obnox- 
ious weeds. Cattle do not object to running in the same pasture with 
goats, and I regard them a great advantage for they remove a great 
many weeds that are objectionable to cattle and a great eye-sore to the 
owner of the land." 

Mr. janies ^McDonald, Morrison, Oregon, says: 

"Goats are \"er\' fond of any kind of sprouts from the stump of the 
trees that are cut down. We have the oak, fine maple, cherry, and 
hazel. We cut it down when it is in full leaf, and in the fall we set fire 
to it. and the goats do the rest." 

Mr. W. D. Claggett, Salem, Oregon, says : 

"Goats are very extensively used for cleaning brush land in our 
State. They will eat nearly anything that grows here and we think 
they are a most profitable animal, much more so than sheep." 

"People are just beginning to find out the value of the goat for rid- 
ding the farm of brush and weeds. The way I clear brush land is as 
follows: 

"The valleys and foot-hills are covered with brush, principally oak- 
grubs, spotted with ferns and small citus. The land is first fenced, 
the brush and timber cut down, and burned, and then goats are tttrned 
into the pasture, wdiich are kept there until all stumps and small brush is 
dead. It requires from two to four years to kill oak grubs and from one 
to three goats to the acre to keep sprouts down. They will certainly 
exterminate all kinds of brush and are the "dead medicine" on all kinds 
of thistles. I will venture to say I can turn my goats into the worst 
patch of "Canada thistle" that grows, and they will exterminate them. 
They will never go to seed. The first thing the goat does is to take 
out the bloom." 

Air. Scott Obye, N. Yanihill, Oregon, says: 

"Goats are extensively used for clearing brush in this State. The 
number that it requires for one acre depends altogether on the charac- 
ter of the brush. The brush should first be slashed and then dried and 
burned, and when the sprouts begin to grow, put the goats on the land, 
and they will keep it eaten down, and will clear it in three years: and in 
most cases a fine stand of grass, for goats are excellent fertilizers, as 
well as land cleaners. Other stock make no objection to pasturing with 
them. In ordinary browsing, two goats to the acre is enough." 



j62 A A^czv Industry. 

Mr. Oscar Tom, Angora, Oregon, says: 

■'Large timber and brush is slashed, or cut down in winter, or spring, 
burned when dry, sown to grass, and the goats keep the sprouts down. 
Where there is trash on the ground and small brush, and fire will run, 
it is burned over, and then sown down with grass, and the goats are then 
turned in, and they will tramp the soil, set the grass seed and keep the 
brush from sprouting again, or as we call it, they will 'grub' the land. 
W'liere there is much fern and one can get a burn occasionally it is best 
to burn early in the spring. It .does not hurt the grass roots much, 
and it inakes better range for the following winter. 

"Goats will eat all kinds of brush that grows here, and all kinds of 
weeds except the nettle, and I never sav>- a goat that would eat these. 
They are especially fond of thistle. They eat the blooms as fast as 
they appear, and wnll keep them down provided there are not too many 
for the number of goats." 

Mr. E. R. Williams, Redding, Cal., says : 

'M girdle my large trees and cut the small ones down, and the goats 
do the balance. 

"We have nearly every kind of brush that you can mention." 

Messrs. Conklin Bros., Newville, Cal., say : 

'"Goati will destroy any kind of brush they can reach the top of, 
and will keep large trees from growing when once cut down. They wnll 
not let sprouts grow if confined." 

Mr. EL Maze, Upper i^ake, Cal., says : 

"The best way to destroy brush on land is to burn off the forest 
by cutting down some of the small brush and placing it around the 
larger trees. Every bush and tree that -s killed by the fire will produce 
-a new grov/th wdrich makes the best goat feed, and they will keep it 
down so close that in a few years will kill the roots, and your land is 
-cleared of brush." ■ 

Mr. J. M. Wimmer, Millville, Cal., says: 

"The way to make goats effective in killing trees, or bushes, is to 
-cut the trees and bushes down, and when the stumps sprout turn the 
goats in and they eaf the sprouts oft'. This, if followed up for two or 
three years, will kill the stumps." 

F. G. Smith, Skaggs Springs, Cal., says : 

"Some years ago, I moved into the mountains on a tract of land 
whose chief value consisted in the red wood and tan oak timber, which, 
•on account of the distance to market it for firewood, is of no value, 



Clearing Bnisliy Land, and Ho:c the JVork is Done. j6^ 

and acres of dense growth of various kinds of brush. Aside from a range 
for hogs, there was not grazing land enough to keep 100 sheep. After 
casting about what use to make of the brush, I finally decided to try a 
small bunch of goats. I heard of a man who had a small lot to sell, and 
from him I bought sixty head of does at $1.50. They were about one- 
half io three-quarter Angoras. 

".-Vs *o clearing the land, I have not made a special object of the 
matter of enclosing a certain tract of land with that end in view. I 
can only speak in a general way. At the time I bought my start in 
goats, we built a shed and enclosed about twenty acres of land on a small 
stream. Near the waters, stand large red wood trees, a narrow fringe, 
outside of this were a variety of shrubbery, and saplings, with patches of 
grass growing between. The brush growth consisted of hazel, buckeye, 
pin oak, manzanita, and mountain laurel (termed pepper wood), black 
oak and madrone saplings. The goats were confined here until we though^- 
they were used to their new location. How long I do not remember: 
long enough, however, until they had stripped the leaves ofif every thing 
witiiin reach. They seemed to take kindly to everything except the 
laurel and poison ivy (or poison oak as it is called in Calitornia). Th..s 
latter vine or shrub is eaten by horses and hogs, but goats seem to be 
'ndii¥erent to it. The hazel and buckeye seemed their first choice; these 
were stripped in short order. Then they went after the smooth, thin 
bark of the madrone saplings. These were girdled as high as they could 
reach. Oak and maple brush was also acceptable. The following" winter 
the saplings were cut down, also the tall brush, the tops of which were 
beyond the reach of the goats, and thrown into piles, ready for burning 
■when they got dry; the stumps and stubble of course remained standing. 
The following spring this enclosure, which contained also an acre or 
two of good grazing land, was used as a kid pasture; in June, when ihe 
kids were about two months old, they were turned out with the does 
to shift for themselves. After that the buck and a small bunch of does 
were l;e]it up until November. The result was that there were but few 
sprouts left on the stumps, and the same process was repeated several 
seasons, or until we moved the corrals to another- part of the ranch. The 
third year the hazel had entirely disappeared, also the small-fry of other 
brush. The stumps of the saplings, and small trees were dead and 
decaying. Three years ago, we had about ten acres of land cleared for 
grazing purposes. The trees, a young growth of black oak and a 
springling of madrone, were cut down in windrows to facilitate burning 
later on. The stumps of both of these species of trees are, if left to 
themselves, the most persistent sprouters imaginable, and the land would 
have been covered in a few years, with an almost impenetrable mass of 
brush and saplings. The land was not fenced, but being on a high ridge, 
it was a favorite stamping ground for the goats. They roam over it 



jdd A Nczv Industry. 

nearly every day. The stumps are standing, but not a sprout is to be 
seen on any of them. I know a man who had a very brushy tract of 
iOO acres or more; he turned about thirty head of goats on it. and, of 
course, they failed to clear it, as the area was out of all proportion to 
the number of animals. Where goats are to be utilized for such a 
purpose it would be necessary to enclose a tract of land proportionate 
to the number of animals at j'our disposal. 

"We have dense brush thickets, eight to ten feet high, composed 
of pin-oak, grease-wood, manzanita, and a number of other species of 
brush wood. Nothing but hogs go through them. We open out such 
places with fire. With favorable wind and weather, a fire started below 
will sweep up a mountain side in short order, leaving nothing but short 
stubles behind. When the brush is not so thick it will run through 
it and open it out for the goats. After that, if the territory is not too 
large, the goats will keep open runways through it in all directions. 
This proceeding gives lots of browse. In speaking to my neighbor 
about this subject the other day, he mentioned a number of farmers in 
the valley who keep small bunches of common goats for meat. They 
have nice open pastiu'es. while those of their adjoining neighbors who 
keep none, are overrun with brush and weeds. He also tells me that 
his goats keep down the mountain laurel, or pepper wood." 

Dr. Titttle, Tacoma, Wash. : 

"Confine goats to brush land so that they cannot get out, and they 
will eat all the small brush that they can reach and will bark the smaller 
trees; and, if the larger ones are cut down, they will keep all sprouts from 
growing so that the tree will soon die." 

, Bticoda, Wash. : 

"My goats have been confined in a pasture this summer, and there 
is fine maple, soft maple, alder and elder ash, dogwood, boxwood, willow, 
hard hack, whitefire, redtire, cedar, all of which they eat freely of. 
They have the fir and cedar girdled up as high as they can reach, and 
about tvv'O and a half inches inches in diameter; the wjllow and other 
hard woods up to about four inches in diameter and about five feet 
high. They are sure death to all small brush, weeds, and thistles (com- 
mon bull thistle)." 

Mr. R. C. Johnston, Lawrence, Kansas, says : 

"My experience in handling the Angora goat during the past nine 
months has been that, those who purchased them wanted them for clear- 
ing up their pastures and brush land, more than for anything else. My 
personal experience in clearing- up land has been very satisfactory. They 
will eat the leaves of every bush that grows in Kansas, and are the only 



Clearing Bntsliy Laud, and Hozv the JVork is Done. 7,6j 

animal tliat will eat and kill out buck biush, a bush that grows two or 
three feet high, and bears a small berry in the fall. It has runners Hke 
the strawberry. The birds distribute, and stock scatter the seed by 
walking through it, and the result is it is ruining many of our finest pas- 
tures. 

"The Angora will eat all weeds that grow in the State as well. Our 
people are just beginning to realize their great value in converting worth- 
less products of the farm into gold; utilizing that which every farmer 
must labor and spend money to get rid of. 

"I have found quite a large demand for them from the farmers in 
Missouri, Arkansas and Iowa, for the same purpose as we are using them 
for. They will bark some bush, like sumac, crab apple, etc. I expect 
to see a very large industry developed in this, and neighboring States, 
in this valuable animal. 

''They can be made to return a much greater revenue from mohair, 
and the sale of their meat, than can possibly be made out of sheep. They 
are much hardier, and longer lived; are free from disease; and will live 
upon what a sheep, horse or cow will not touch. Their meat will bring very 
near the same price per pound, as the sheep. Indeed, I believe it will 
soon bring more, for it is superior, because it is a much healthier animal, 
and their meat will soon be preferred to that of sheep. I have gone 
far enough wth the Angora to feel quite confident, that it will be a very 
popular class of stock with farmers, and I shall not be surprised if it 
does not displace the sheep in many cases." 

Mr. A. Lippincutt, Sheridan, Mo., says: 
"Goats are used altogether for cleaning up brushy land. I couldn't 
say exactly the number of head required to the acre. They eat all kinds 
of brush that grows here, except hickory or walnut. They are death 
on weeds. Blue grass has no attraction for them. They will peel trees 
live and six feet high." 

Mr. Wm. J. Seever, Secretary Missouri Historical Society, 
vSt. Louis, Mo., says : 

"I have travelled considerable through the Ozark (hill) region of 
Missouri, a country that, when the timber is removed, will grow a crop 
of sprouts and underbrush through which a dog can hardly travel. On 
a number of such tracts of land, where small flocks of goats were kept, 
1 could not help but notice the efTects of their work. They will absolutely 
clean it of everything that they can defoliate, large saplings included.. 
Being the owner of a tract of just such land which was costing me 
$6 to $10 per acre to clean up, I concluded to try the goats. My exper- 
ience has been of but six months' duration, but I am satisfied they are 
invaluable on a well-fenced farm, and will more than repay their cost 



j68 A Nczv Industry. 

and keep, if kept only for this purpose. I have but a few head, mostly 
grades, and, on my farm, I have never seen one graze. They are also 
inveterate weed destroyers, and the only animal I know of that will eat 
the Canada thistle clear to the roots, a weed pest which most States 
legislate against, which no four-footed animal will touch, and the two- 
footed one likewise, unless compelled to. 

"In this brush country, the defoliage of the larger growth by goats 
is interesting and goat sense clearly applied. I have seen, time and 
again, two, three or four animals, bear down with their weight young 
trees that a single animal could not bend, hold the tree in position until 
every leaf was eaten oft. This repeated once or twice would kill it. 
Certain species will be barked as high as can be reached." 

Mr. C. D. Tiithill, Tuthill, Minn., says : 

"Goals are not, as yet, used to any great extent for killing out brush 
in Minnesota, but they should be. Brushy land can be cleaned cheaper 
with them than by any other means, and it is immaterial what kind of 
brush it is." 

Mr. A. G. Wilcox, Hugo, Minn., says : 

"Goats have not been used much in our State for clearing land, 
but they certainly ought to be. 

"When I first got goats I had fences that were all right for sheep 
and pigs, but the goats would go through somehow, and were some 
trouble until I put up a woven wire (Lamb's) of the Page type, and 
that was all right. No trouble since. 

"I enclosed twelve acres of open timber grown up to oak and hazel, 
to a height of four to six feet. The shade was too dense in places to 
grow any grass, but there were some places where the grass was very 
fine. The goats did not eat any grass, and I turned in horses enough 
to pasture it down close. The goats began on the brush and gradually 
cleaned it out, stripping ofif every leaf and twig, and leaving only bare 
poles. By September 1st, the brush wa'^ as dead, in appearance, as if 
a fire had swept through it, and I do not believe it will ever leaf out 
again. 

"A piece of about three acres which was eaten out by them last fall 
is dead and the brush is already falling down and rotting. 

"They will strip leaves off as high as they can reach on their hind 
legs. 

"I think they easily pay their way as brush eaters. 

"I want mp pastures cleared of brush but I leave my large trees 
for shade as there are only enough to make a fine open timber 
pasture." 



Clearing Brushy Land, and Hozv the Work is Done. j6p 

Air. C. S. Horn Chicago, 111., says : 

"About the first of the year (1899) I purchased an eighty-acre tract 
of brush land and was in a quandary as to how to get rid of the 
undergrowth and shrubs. In talking to some friends regarding the 
matter, the goat was suggested as being the best means, and I decided 
to purchase a carload of them and put them to work. About May 1st, 
1 received them, and am highly pleased with the result of the experi- 
ment. I believe they have done more for me than five men would have 
done in the same time, working ten hours a day. I certainly can recom- 
mend them as being the surest and best remedy for rough, unbroken 
pastures. They are willing workers, will not 'strike' on you for higher 
wages, and will do excellent work. I shall probably want more goats 
next spring." 

Col. J. Wash. Watts, Montville, S. C, says: 

"I never knew of the Angora goat being used for exterminating 
brush. I know they prefer to browse rather than to graze, and that 
they soon clear their pastures of briars, brush, and weeds, but we had 
too few to depend on much work of this kind. 

"I have owned a good many, from time to time, but in changing 
my residence I let my son, John D. Watts, of Laurens, S. C, have my 
goats. Our trees are mostly oak and pine, which the goat cannot 
'bark," Init they clean up briars and brush, willows, and such small 
trees. 

"There are so few kept in our State that very little is known of 
their habits." 

Messrs. Miller & Sibley, Franklin, Pa., say: 

"From the experience we had with the Angora goat we found them 
\o be invaluable as brush exterminators. One hundred can do the 
work of six men. 

"The ground should first be cleared, and the goats will do the rest 
by keeping the sprouts from growing. We found thej' would destroy 
everything except poison laurel." 

Mr. Lafayette Holt, Bitrlington, N. C, says : 

"Goats are not common in North Carolina. They can be made very 
■useful in clearing up brushy land. I do not know of any large lots. 

"I am well convinced they will clean up old farms and brushy land 
in fine shape. The great objection I have to them is they will destroy 
my peach and fruit trees " 



jyo A New Industry. 

Mr. O. D. Hill, Kencialia, W. Va., says : 
"Goats are not used for clearing up brush in this section, but I am 
well satisfied they will destroy anything in the shape of trees, bushes, 
briars or weeds, unless it may be poison ivy, and laurel." 

Mr. James A. Bill, Bill Hill P. O., Conn., says : 

"I keep my goats (about 75) for the purpose of keeping down 
brush and weeds, principally, though I derive a considerable revenue 
in selling males for breeding purposes. My experience has been that 
they are not at all particular as to what kind of brush they have to 
eat. They will take most anything that comes in their way. I have been 
breeding them for the past thirty years, and have found them the most 
profitable part of my farming." 

WP^ST TEXAS. It may appear strange to many who have 
always pictured Texas as one vast stretch of prairie that trees 
and brush thickets are becoming very dense in many portions 
of the State, and, unless something is done to check the growth, 
large sections will soon become worthless for grazing cattle. 
This is more particularly the case in the Southwest, beyond the 
Colorado River ; and, strange as it may seem, this growth has 
taken place in the last twenty-five years. I can very well remem- 
ber when it was possible to distinguish an animal as far as the 
eyesight could reach, in places that are now so thickly covered 
with mesquite, live oak shin oak, sumac, etc., that it is impossible 
even to ride a horse through it. 

The explanation of this is doubtless due to the fencing of 
a country which was formerly open, and the home of the bufifalo 
and other wild game ; to hunt which, the high prairie grass 
would have to be burned off every fall and winter. Travellers, too, 
would often set fire to the grass from their camp fires by acci- 
dent, which would, sometimes, burn for weeks at a time, killing 
all kinds of vegetation. This is, no doubt, the way that all tree 
life in this section of Texas had been destroyed which is now 
coming back, because the ranchmen are careful to guard against 
fires getting started within their enclosed ranches. 

There has never been any attempt made toward removing 
this growth of brush, bvit it is quite evident the time is very 
near when some agency must be employed to do so, or many 
of our finest cattle ranches will have to be abandoned. 



Clearing Brushy Land, and Hon' flic Work is Done. j/z 

Mr. Wm. R. McKee, of Junction City, Kimble County, 
tells me that he has some neighbors who have cleaned a consid- 
erable amount of brush land such as shin oak, live oak, sumac, 
etc., by the aid of the goat, and that he had done so himself 
with a portion of the land he is now cultivating on the Llano 
River. He says : 

"Cut down all brush and then turn in the goats and they will keep 
down the young sprouts. Let the goats remain on the ground one-half 
the day in the spring up to October 1st. 

"It takes about seven goats to the ?cre. 

"My neighbors, B. F. Pepper, and J. D. Armstrong (since deceased), 
have cleared considerable land in this way. They will exterminate 
everything except the mesquite in two years' time." 

Mr. B. L. Crouch, Pearsall, Texas, says: 

"The black chapparell in this portion of the State is too stubborn 
for the goats to destroy to any extent though they will check its 
spread. They are a success destroying the cockle-burr, in fields, and 
pastures." 

It is not unlikely if the black chapparell referred to by Mr. 
Crouch was first cut down and burned, as is done in Oregon, it 
would greatly assist the goat in getting rid of the growth. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

HOW TO TELL THE AGE OP AN ANGORA GOAT. 

The age of an Angora goat may be learned, approximately^ 
by an examination of their teeth, which are thirty-two in number,, 
(twenty-four grinders, and eight incissors)the same as with sheep. 
The eight incissors are located on the lower front jaw bone, six 
of which are born with the animal, and two, (one on either end 
of the set) a few months after birth. There are no teeth on the 
upper front jaw.) The eight incissors are first called "Milk 
IcctJi," which disappear, and are replaced by a permanent set, as 
the animal advances in life. 

The first two, (the central and largest) become loose and are 
pushed out by two new teeth within a year or eighteen months 
after birth, when it is called a "yearling" or "two tooth." 

The second two, (on either side of the first,) are next re-^ 
moved in about two or two and one-half years, when the animal 
is said to be a "two-year-old." 

The third two, (on either side of the second, )when the ani- 
mal is between three and three and half years of age, and then it 
is called a "three-year-old." 

The fourth two, (on either end of the whole set.) when the 
animal is four years old, and over, when it is called a "full 
month." 

After this period, the age must be guessed at, and can only 
be conjectured through the general appearance of the animal, 
the character of the horns, and condition of the teeth. At the 
age of four, the animal is supposed to be in its prime, after which 
it will begin to descend in the scale of vitality, and as a 
producer of mohair, though the changes will be so slight as to be 
hardly observable from year to year. 



Hoiv to Tell tJic Age of an Angora Goaf. 373 

The incissor teeth will sooner or later begin to wear on top, 
and will grachially wear away until they are mere stubbs, and 
quite even with the gums of the mouth, which, ordinarily, takes 
place about ten to twelve years of age, when they are called 
"toothless." This wearing process, however, is governed 
by the character of food the animal has to eat. 
If it has very little sand, or grit, the teeth 
will probably remain sound for a much longer time. 
Fifteen and sixteen years, is not an uncommon age for goats to 
keep their teeth in fairly good shape ; and if they have clean, 
soft, food to eat there is no reason why they should not remain 
even longer than this. Many instances of twenty, and twenty- 
two years are known. 

The general appearance of the incissor teeth are about the 
same in all goats, but are smaller in some than others ; and. 
the two end teeth, are sometimes very small indeed. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

HOW TO FEED ANGORA GOATS FOR MARKET. 

The Angora is a quick feeder, and will take on more flesh 
than a sheep in the same length of time. The best age to feed 
is after they have reached maturity, or between four and six, al- 
though they will fatten easily at any age. They take to any 
kind of grain almost as soon as they are placed in the feed-lot 
and will, consequently shrink very little, owing to their changed 
condition of life. 

Two bushels of corn, with as much clean timothy, or clover, 
hay as they want, ought to put them in prime shape, fed in six- 
ty days. Corn should be fed lightly at first, say one quarter to 
one-half, pound for the first few days and gradually increased for 
a week or ten days when they should have all they can eat. 
When corn is fed on the cob, the cob should be broken in two, or 
more pieces. Wheat screenings makes a very fine feed. Indeed, 
the Angora will do well on any kind of grain. They 
should have free access to water, and hay and a shelter to go in 
and out at will. If they are troubled with lice they shoud be dip- 
ped, (see "Lice on Goats") as the continued itching interferes with 
their feeding properly. The following letter from Mr. Jas. R. 
Hamilton of San Angelo, Texas, who has perhaps fed and shipped 
more sheep and Angora goats than any single shipper in the State 
of Texas during the past ten years, will give his views about 
Cotton Seed Meal and Hulls as a fattening feed : 

"San Angelo. Texas, Nov. 25th, 1899. 
"Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir — Answering your favor of 19th, in regard to feeding goats 
will say, I consider cotton seed meal and hulls the best feed for goats, 
or mutton either. I think the winter time is the best time to feed and 



Hoiv Fed for Market. jy§ 

the animals should be put on feed before they shrink too much with cold 
weather and bad range. If in fair flesh when put on feed, sixty to seven- 
ty days will finish them. If fat they will always sell on the market 
about fifty cents per hundred lower than fat sheep. You should begin 
to feed about one quarter of a pound of meal to three of hulls and in- 
crease the ratio of meal, proportionally, for fifteen days, at that time, 
would aim to have the ratio of meal about one pound to two and a half 
of hulls per day per head. 

"Yours truly, 

"J. R. HAMILTON." 

Mr. S. S. McKibbin of Earlham, Madison County, Iowa, 
writes as follows : 

"I have fed the Angora goat wether for market and was agreeably 
surprised at the rapidity with which they can be fattened. If they are 
received in the spring, and are allowed to run on our hazel thickets until 
fall, it will take but very little corn to 'finish' them. If taken direct from 
the range it is best to start in slow and gradually increase the feed. I 
started with one-half pound corn to the ration and gradually increased 
this until I gave them free access to the feed and I think two pounds a 
day is all that a goat will require. They can be made ready for market 
in sixty days. I had a plain straw shed in the lot for shelter, and a stack 
of hay and oat straw for them to go to at will." 

Mr. R. C. Johnston, Lawrence, Kansas, says : 

"I fed and fattened 500 wethers last fall and am feeding 500 more 
now (April, 1900). I have been surprised to see how easily and rapid- 
ly they can be fattened on corn. I feed shelled corn and wheat straw. 
They fatten in one-third less time than sheep and my exeperience has 
been so satisfactory I intend feeding goats hereafter for the profit in 
feeding." 

Air. T}son of Blair, Nebraska, in a letter to Mr. A. L. Johns 
of Chicago, which may be read under Chapter XV. on "Angora 
A'enison," says : 

"That his profits had been fully as great taking into consideration 
the money invested, as he ever made in feeding sheep." 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

DISEASES OF THE ANGORA GOAT. 

If there is any one feature, above another, that should com- 
mend the Angora goat to the American farmer, it is his complete 
immunity from disease. They have been handled in the United 
States for over fifty years, in the North, South, East and West, 
with the same uniform exemption from sickness, a record that 
no other kind of live stock can boast of in this, or any other coun- 
try. 

In South Africa they are subject to both scab and pleuro- 
pneumonia, or a contagious lung-sickness, supposed to have 
been communicated to their goats by some imported stock dur- 
ing the latter part of 1880 ; and, although prompt measures were 
used to check the spread of the disease it had so good a start, it 
was impossible to stop it until a large number of the animals had 
died, or were slaughtered, estimated to have been 38,200 head 

Referring to this unfortunate affair Mr. Schreiner says : 

"Pleuro-piieumonia is indigenous lo Asia Minor, being most com- 
mon and dangerous in low-lying ancJ damp situations. It does not 
exist always in a severe form, but at times it assumes an epidemic charac- 
ter, and a most virulent and deadly form sweeping the Angoras off by 
hundreds of thousands. There is ' no record of it having appeared out 
of the country to which it is indigenous, except in the outbreak in 
the Cape Colony. On its appearance here it was quite unknown to vet- 
erinary science, so Mr. Hutcheon had to break new ground. It is a con- 
tagious disease, closely analogous to pluero-pneumonia in horned cattle; 
and if it had not been promptly stamped/^out. would have obtained a gen- 
eral hold on the Angoras of this country, and have needed ceaseless 
combating, just as lung sickness in cattle does. In time, like other dis- 
eases which are so deadly on their first introduction to a new country, 
it would probably have assumed a milder form; but it needs no argu- 
ment to prove that Mr. Hutcheon did the country an iu'-stimable ser- 
vice in eradicating it at onCe. 



Diseases of flic Angora Goat. ^yr 

"The disease in the Colony was in a most virulent form; every goat 
in every flock in which it appeared was attacked, and the mortality 
running sometimes as high as eighty per cent. The death rate was high- 
est among those first attacked in any flock, probably because they were 
peculiarly susceptible, and lowest among those last attacqed. It is a dis- 
ease conveyed by direct contagion and not an infectious one. The 
germs are not conveyed great distances by the wind. The course it 
runs may be divided into two periods: First, a period of incubation, 
or latency, from seven to ten days; second, in full strength, from ten to- 
thirteen days, the exact course depending on the susceptibility of the 
animal. 

"It is remarkable how long the disease was latent in the imported 
goats. Some of them were observed to have it when the consignment 
left Constantinople in the last of October. It did not break out during 
the voyage, nor was it, in the first instance, observed among the imported 
goats in the Colony. In both outbreaks it appeared among Colonial 
flocks as soon as the imported goats were put to them, at Mount Stew- 
art, at the end of December, and in Bedford a month later, two and three 
months after the shipment left Turkey. The fact that it did not break- 
out during the voyage and until Colonial flocks became infected, may 
perhaps be accounted for on the supposition that some of the imported 
goats having had the disease in Turkey, retained diseased lungs, as is 
sometimes the case with horned cattle here, that have recovered from 
lung sickness and yet are capable of infecting healfehy cattle, because 
their lungs remain more or less locally injured and diseased for a long 
time. With regard to others, it would seem that they had either had 
tlie disease and recovered, or that coming from a country where it is al- 
ways prevalent, to some extent, often in mild form, they were not very 
susceptible. If the report be true that, after the INIount Stewart out-' 
break, several of ]Mr. Evans' imported rams,* which had, so far, been 
healthy, contracted the disease and died, the above supposition would 
seem to have strong support; it would seem to prove that such animals 
had somehow secured an immunity in Turkey, but that the disease 
having been conveyed to the Cape flocks had acquired a virulency sc 
potent that the immunity they had hitherto enjoyed was not capable- 
of being sustained. But, whatever the explanation, it is certain that these 
goats brought the disease from Turkey. South Africa should guard 
itself well against its reintroducton." See Schreiner, pp. ■223-"2'24. 

It is quite possible, as Mr. Schreiner says, that, the Turkish 
goats carried the disease to Cape Colony, but it would be very 
hard to convince an American jury to think so from the explan- 



*It is difficult to say whether this is intended to refer to a goat or a 
sheep, which is a good illustration of the importance of using the tenuL-. 
"buck" for male and "doe" for female goats. 



j/8 A Nezv Industi'v. 

ation that he makes. It is to be hoped they may never have 
any more such trouble but it would be weH for American breed- 
ers to keep both Turkish and Cape Colony goats in cjuarantine 
for a reasonable time after arrival if they should import any, in 
order to be certain they are entirely free from both pleuro-pneu- 
monia, scab and Asiatic mange, all of which diseases they seem 
to be liable to. Whatever the cause may be, the United vStates is 
certainly favored over all other nations in breeding Angoras for, 
with the exception of a few minor complaints, not a single breed- 
er in any of the States, has ever discovered any sickness among 
them. 

SCAB. 

This very troublesome disease seems to be natural with 
sheep, but the insect that produces it will not live on a goat. T 
liave kept Angoras in a flock of sheep that were infected with 
scab, for weeks at a time, and have never seen the slightest in- 
dication of the disease on any of them, and have never heard of 
a breeder who has known of their having it. 

Mr. Schreiner says : 

"The Boer goats are subject to a very virulent kind oE scab, pro- 
•duced by a different acarus to that which affects Angoras. In the early 
days, when it was not understood how to cope with scab, and when there 
were no dipping tanks, it was not uncommon in a severe drought, for 
•whole flocks to be exterminated by this disease. See Schreiner page 174." 

Asiatic scab is said to have been brought to this country by 
an importation made by Mr. Eutichedes in 1870. Referring to 
it in a pamphlet published in 1872 by Maj. Wm. E. Sweet, assis- 
ted by Mr. Wm. M. Landrum, the latter gentleman says : 

"Mr. Eutichedes did not know anything about the disease until 
liis goats were found dying off at a fearful rate with it. He wrote to 
Asia for a remedy and was advised to use sulphur and lime, in a hot bath, 
l)ut ii: failed to effect a cure. I gave him a remedy. Tobacco, and cor- 
rosive sublimate. I have heard of but twelve dying since, which were 
too far gone to recover." 

Regarding the remedv Mr. Landrum savs : 

"(100) One hundred pounds of strong tobacco, (400) four hundred 
:gal!ons of water, (10) ten ounces corrosive sublimate dissolved in double 



Diseases of the Angora Goat. J7P' 

t!ic ([uantity of sal anioniac. with warm water, or a tobacco decoction 
and mix tlie whole before dipping. Pulverize the medicine frst. as ii 
dissolves faster. The dip should be warm when used." 

And he adds : 

"We may never be troubled again. There arc several remedies 
that will cure the scab if taken in time. In fact, most of the remedies 
used for scab in sheep will cure the mange, or scab in goats if applied 
strong enough. Tar and grease is good but the remedy is rather ex- 
pensive and tedious. Tobacco and corrosive sublimate is cheapest 
and most effective, and will never hurt the goat unless he gets strangled 
by plunging and swallows too much of the. decoction. Too much sub- 
limate will produce irritation and kill the goat. The parasite of the scab 
in goats is a different parasite from that in sheep and does not readily 
if ever, take hold of a sheep." 

WORMS. 

Goats are seldom troubled with worms internally, or in the 
nose, as sheep are; but, like all other animals in the South, are 
subject to have an attack from the scrczv-zvorm, if they are in- 
jured in a manner that will cause blood to flow. At shearing- 
time this is common, unless the shearers are careful not to cut 
the skin. 

These worms are produced from an egg, deposited on the 
cut, by a large, green fly, called a blozu-fly, which prevails only in 
hot weather, and are especially troublesome in Texas. 

Chloroform is a cjuick, and effective remedy, and calomel is. 
also ; but, these are more expensive than carbolic ointment. 
\vliich is more commonly used, as well as some of the prepared 
^heep-dips, for curing scab, particularly "Cannon's Dip," which 
will destroy them very promptly. 

Tape Zi'oniis are occasionally found, though very seldom, 
if the animals are kept in a thriving condition. Turpentine ad- 
ministered in half ounce doses upon an empty stomach will be 
found effective. Regular salting, with plenty to eat will be found 
the best wav to prevent goats from having tape worms. 

FOOT-ROT. 

Some American l^reeders have reported that their goats are 
troubled with foot-rot, which is no doubt the case, if they have 
been allowed to range on marshy land, but it is more than like- 



j8o A Nfzv Iiidustrv. 

ly most of the cases are only sore feet produced from wading in 
water, or walking over damp grass, caused either by rain or 
heavy dew, which is quite common. This, however, will seldom 
last very long after the animal has been moved to a dry range. 

There is no doubt but that foot-rot will result from confin- 
ing the animals to a pasture that has very damp soil. 

Poivdercd blue stone, after first trimming the hoof, will effect 
a cure ; or a solution of nitrate of silver. Fine tar is also a very 
good remedy. 

SCOURS. 

Are likewise mentioned by some breeders which is usually 
the result of something the animal has eaten, and can be corrected 
by removing the flock to a different range. Or, if only a few 
goats are affected, by taking these out of the flock, and giving 
them dry feed for a few days. 

POVERTY IN WINTER. 

Poverty is perhaps the most fruitful cause for much of the 
so-called sickness that the American goats have. It is very un- 
wise to permit goats to get very poor in flesh if it is at all possi- 
ble to avoid it, and a little money expended in grain, or cotton- 
seed, will often return a very large profit by saving the lives of 
goats that would otherwise die for the want of sufficient nourish- 
ment during the winter. 

During the winter of 1899 some alarm was created among 
a few Oregon breeders, caused by what seemed to be a new kind 
of disease, and in referring to the matter the "Oregon Agricul- 
turist and Rural Northwest" of Portland, says : 

"A number of Angora goats have been received at the Oregon 
Experiment Station this winter which were supposed to be attacked 
by the disease reported in many localities last winter. Post mortem 
examination of these goats failed to disclose any new disease. One 
of them was found to be wholly sound internally; another was affected 
with tape worm, while another had an affected liver. Dr. Withycombe 
is inclined to the opinion that the mortality among the goats is for the 
most part due to no special disease, but a low condition of the system 
:-at this time of the year which makes them easily succumb to various 



Diseases of the Angora Goaf. ^8i 

diseases, colds, etc. He recommends as a preventive more care in 

providing food and shelter from the rains. The Experiment Station 

will, however, continue the investigation of the matter as thoroughly 
as possible." 

The same paper adds: 

"Dr. McLean, State Veterinarian, a few days ago visited Marion 
County to ascertain what was the trouble with a flock of goats, one- 
third of which had died within a few days. He pronounced the trouble 
a dietic one resulting from improper and insufficient food and advised 
the changing of the goats to another pasture in which brush was abun- 
dant. After the change, so far as heard from, no deaths occurred." 



CHANGE OF CLIMATE. 

Some cases of sickness, and death, have been occasioned by 
moving Angoras from the South to the North during the winter 
months. This is not at aU unreasonable when we reflect upon 
the radical change that the animal is called upon to undergo. 
Mr. S. S. AIcKibbin of Earlham. Iowa, has had considerable ex- 
perience in this respect, and says : 

"I have never lost a goat when they were taken to Iowa in the spring 
or summer, but have invariably lost more or less when they were re- 
ceived during cold weatther." 

PILES 

Or something of a like nature, will sometimes appear in 
goats, more particularlv on old ones, though it will occasionally 
be seen on young does. A good remedy is to tie a string, tight, 
around the part exposed, and let it slough ofif. Or it might be 
cut Qfif, and seared with a red hot iron, if it should bleed too 
much. 

ABORTION. 

Goats are rarely troubled with abortion unless they have 
eaten something that disagrees with them during the period 
of gestation. A sudden change of weather, over-feeding, pastur- 
ing on frosty herbage, sudden alarm, or, being chased by a dog. 
or wild animal, may produce abortion. 



^82 A Nciv Industry. 

A goat is very fond of acorns, and when these are abundant 
will often gorge themselves with them which frequently causes 
them to abort. 

A doe if regularly fed and watered, and kept well protected 
from stormy weather will seldom miscarry. 

POISONING. 

Will occur once in a while from eating some kind of weed, 
or bush, but will rarely ever kill the animal. 

A dose of castor oil, linseed oil or other purgative medi- 
cine, will usually afford relief. 

Rattle snake bites are less frequent than one would suppose 
they would be in some sections of the United States. This will 
always cause great inflammation an^l will surely result in death 
if an artery is cut ; but, when this is not the case, the animal will 
recover in a day or two. 

The most common remedy is to pick, or puncture, the swol- 
len part with some sharp pointed instrument, for which purpose 
the Mexican herders think the leaves of the "Spanish dagger," 
(a plant common to Southwest Texas and Mexico) is the best. 

If the bite is seared with a red-hot iron, or is burned- with 
a lighted match, or some other flame, in order to produce a blis- 
ter, it will have the effect to draw out the poison, and if this is 
repeated several times (always breaking the blister and washing 
the parts before making another) it will draw out all the virus 
deposited by the snake, but of course this remedy must be used 
immediately after the animal has been bitten, as otherwise the 
poison will be too much chstributed through the system to be 
withdrawn by the action of the heat. 

LICE ON GOATS. 

This can not properly be called a disease as it is not consti- 
tutional, and is very similar to fleas on a dog, or lice on a chicken. 
They are easily seen and can be readily removed ; but. as a gen- 
eral thing the American breeders have paid but little attention 
to the matter until quite recently, when a number have conclu- 
ded it is best to dip the animal in some kind of solution to re- 
move them. 



Diseases of the Angora Goat. ^8j 

The only evil effects resulting from lice is a continual itch- 
ing, which prompts the animal to scratch itself, with its horns, 
no doubt causing more or less loss of hair, as well as to disar- 
range the fleece. If the animal is relieved of this annoy- 
ance it will naturally thrive better ; and, when it is intended 
to be fed for market, a good dipping will certainly be worth much 
more than one-half the feed. Indeed it is very doubtful if a goat 
will ever be able to reach its best condition in flesh as long as 
it is troubled with lice. 

I sold a thousand head of young wethers to Mr. William 
Hatcher, an extensive feeder of sheep in Sycamore, Illinois, in 
1898, that were not taking on fat as well as he thought they 
should, and, after running them through a dipping vat they im- 
proved with remarkable rapidity. 

The kind of dip to use is altogether a matter of choice. 
-Many of the sheep dips will kill lice but some are more expensive 
than others, and some very troublesome to prepare. 

Dr. J. R. Standley of Platteville, has always found arsenic 
the most practical remedy, which is said to remove lice so ef- 
fectuall}- as to make it unnecessary to dip more than once in 
two years. One pound of arsenic to sixteen gallons of water 
are the proportions he recommends. 

Lime and sidphnr will kill them, but it is very liable to blind 
the goat. 

Tobacco and corrosive snhliniate has been recommended. (See 
remedy under head of Scab). 

The carbolic dips will doubtless remove them as well. 

In South Africa the "Cooper Dip," is almost the universal 
remedy, which is composed largely of arsenic. 

A great variety of these dips are on the American markets, 
and it would certainly be wise for breeders of the Angora goat to 
use them. There is very little doubt in my opinion, but that 
the increased growth of fleece, which is always incident to an 
improved condition of the animal, will more than return the 
cost of dipping, to say nothing of the more attractive appear- 
ance of the fleece, and the great relief that it will naturally afford 
the poor animal. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 
CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE ANGORA GOx\T 

/;; pastures. If you are raising goats in an enclosed pasture 
it is only necessary to see that your tencing is of a kind that will 
keep them within bounds, and that you have sufficient brush, 
and water for them to subsist on. 

A shed or house, to shelter them in, in bad weather, is a 
necessity in the Northern States ; but, in a warm climate this can 
be dispensed with, though it is better to provide something of- 
the kind there, as well ; for, a few cold rainy days will reduce the 
flesh on a goat much more than twice the number of days of 
starvation will do; and, besides this, it is always well to have 
shelter for them after shearing, and for the little kids during 
the kidding season. A very good way to economize on space in 
making shelter for goats is to build platforms in the order of 
steps, sloping to the eves of the roof. The first step, or platform, 
should be three feet from the ground, which the goats will soon 
learn to jump; the remainder need only be one foot high, which 
will admit of three platforms, or steps, three feet wide, for a ten 
foot wide, shed, seven feet high, which, practically, gives nearly 
twice the capacity of the ground space. Goats are very fond 
of a high place to sleep on, and they will all want the "upper 
berth." 

Salt should be given at regular intervals, say once a week, 
unless it is arranged so they can get it whenever they want it, 
which is the better plan, and with a small number, is more eco- 
nomical. Rock salt is very good, though I have always preferred 
to use granulated. 

With these provisions, the instinct of the animal will guide 
it better than you can ; the fleece will be heavier, and the animal 
will keep in much better condition than under herd. A goat is 



PLATE XXXVI. 




THOROUGHBRED ANGORA KIDS— AFTER WEANING. 
Bred aiul raised by Mr. Jno. S. Harris. Oakley, Idalio, from stock imported from Asia Minor in 1870. 



Care and Maiiagcinciif of tlic Angora Goat. ^8/ 

naturally very domestic, and will soon become attached to home- 
surroundings ; and, if a shed is provided will seek it whenever 
it is necessary, but unless it is a very bad night, they will prefer 
to bed outside in the open air. 

Pasturing n'itli other stock makes no difference whatever, and 
is rather an advantage, as the goat will eat what a cow or horse 
will leave, and the removal of the brush, briars, and weeds, will 
make the pasturage much better. If there should be any hogs 
in the enclosure they should be removed during the kidding per- 
iod, or they are liable to devour many of the young kids soon 
after birth, or during the first few weeks of their lives. They are 
very sleepy little things and will seek a shady spot and sleep for 
hours at a time until they are two or three months old when they 
will begin to follow the mother in her daily rounds. Sheep may 
])e run in the same pasture with Angoras wdthout any danger of 
their crossing. 

Dogs are not liable to kill a goat if there are a number of 
grown wethers or bucks in the flock. When they make an at- 
tack, the goats generally bunch together, and the younger ones, 
get under cover of the wethers, whose defiant air will soon in- 
timidate the dog; but, it must not be supposed that there is 
no loss from this source. Oftentimes a few young goats will 
i)ecome separated from the flock and be killed ; and, in a country 
where the ■zco/f and zvild-cat abound, there is considerable loss, 
particularly in the small kids. 

Fcnci)ig made of seven barbed wires is cpiite close enough 
to hold goats provided the stays are placed, say four feet 
apart so that the wires will not spread. A goat will not jump 
over a fence but will crawl through it very much like a hog, and, 
unless the wires are kept tight it is difficult to confine them. A 
rail-fence is very good if it is constructed properly. It should be 
built so that the panels will not lean outward, as a goat can 
climb up a very steep place if he can find a foot-hold. A rock- 
fcjiee will not do at all, unless it has a shelf on top. The best 
kind of fencing is made from zvovcn xvirc, and, taking into con- 
sideration the repairs on other kinds, I am inclined to think they 
are the cheapest in the end. A four foot zvovcn zvirc fence will 
hold them with perfect safety. 



.388 A New Industry. 

Breeding. The pure-bred, or the very high-grade does, 
come into season between August and September, and are sus- 
ceptible up to first of February. They, ordinarly, produce one 
kid, but will occasionally have twins, more especially the older 
ones. Lower grades are m.ore prolific and some have been 
known to breed twice a year. 

The hicks come into season between the months of July 
and August, and, if they are permitted to run with the does at 
will, the kids will begin to come in February or March. The 
buck, if pure, may run with the does from first of February to 
first of July without risk. The common buck will breed at any 
time of the year, and low grade Angoras are liable to do so. 

Great care should be observed in removing buck kids when 
they are five months old, as they are remarkably precocious, and 
will often breed at that early age. T have known a buck at eight 
months of age to produce ninety kids. The doe kids should be 
removed before the buck is turned into the flock as it is best not 
to breed these until the following season. 

Tlic period of gestation is between one hundred and fifty and 
one hundred and fifty-five days ; or, about five months. 

The breeding of does should be governed by the climate in 
which they are being kept, and it should be so arranged that the 
kids will not be dropped before vegetation has fairly started. It 
is quite common for a doe to refuse to own or even recognize 
her young owing to this cause, and it is therefore best to always 
be on the safe side, and be a little late, rather than in advance of 
the season, as this will insure a full flow of milk on the part of the 
mother, and there will then be no losses in kids if reasonable at- 
tention is given. 

One buck is sufficient for fifty does turned loose, or he will 
serve as many as two hundred if kept up and "hand-bred." 

If there are a large number of breeding does it is well to 
hold the bucks in a separate enclosure and place one-half with the 
flock in the morning and the other half in the evening. 

The bucks should be fed about one pound of corn, or two 
pounds of oats, night and morning during the breeding season. 
Corn on the cob should be broken in pieces. Barley or wheat 
makes a good feed. The entire flock should be fed a little grain, 



Care and Maiiagciiiciif of the Angora Goaf. S89 

in the winter months, with hay, clover, or oat straw. Com in 
the shock is very good, and with this assistance, and the freedom 
of the pasture, to browse on the Hve twigs and dead leaves, they 
will go through the winter very satisfactorily. Cotton seed or 
cotton seed meal, and hulls, makes very good feed also. 

Goats are very fond of all kinds of nuts that they can break 
easily. They are especially fond of the acorn, and when the yield 
is large will often eat too many, which is liable to cause abortion. 
If eaten in moderation they will do no harm. 

On the open range, if goats are held under herd, and re- 
strained of their liberty, it is proper to locate in some place 
where a variety of brush is to be had, and within close proximity 
to good clean water. 

Range, and zvater, are the great essentials to success, and the 
wider the range the better. It is difficult to estimate the exact 
number of acres that are necessary for any given number of 
goats, owing to the difference in browsing facilities. The judg- 
ment of the breeder must be brought into play in this regard. It 
is not an uncommon mistake for flocks to be held too long in one 
place. They should be moved as often as once a month, and of- 
lener if convenient to do so, which will give the brush a chance 
to grow new leaves, and thus keep the entire range fresh, and 
in good condition. 

Almost any kind of brush will answer, and if there are weeds 
to be had in addition, it will be that much the better. 

Water should be as near to the range as possible, not over 
two miles from camp. It is supposed by many that goats do 
not require water, but this is a great mistake, and they will cer- 
taiinly suffer if they are deprived of it when they want it. In the 
winter months they will drink very little and have been known 
to do without it altogether for months at a time ; but, it is best 
to give them the opportunity of drinking at least once a week 
during the cold weather, and oftener, as spring approaches. 
In the heat of summer they should have water once a day though 
it is quite common to only water them every other day. 

Salt should be fed once a week, in such quantity as they will 
eat up clean. Between twenty-five, and fifty, pounds will be 



;^po ■ A Ah''W Industry. 

quite sufficient for a flock of 1500 for a single salting. It is 
usually placed in small piles either on the clean grass, or a rock. 
It is well to have a regular day to salt, and the flock will soon 
learn to look for it, and will remind the herder of his neglect if 
he should fail to remember it. 

Shelter, from cold zviiid, is ver\' necessary, and in select- 
ing a camping place this should be taken into consideration. 
The slope of a hill, on the south side of a thicket of brush ; or, 
behind a high blufi^, is a very good spot for the winter ; and in 
summer, a high position on the sloping side of a hill, is very suit- 
able. It would be better, of course, to have a covered shelter as 
there are many cold rains during the year which will make goats 
shrink very considerably ; and, the losses after shearing and in 
kids, during a kidding season, will more than cover the cost of 
building sheds if it were practicable : but, the fact of having to 
move camp so often presents an obstacle that is hard to over- 
come in this particular. The only remedy I can conceive of is,, 
to have portable sheds made something like a tent, which could be 
moved from camp to camp. They can be made in sections of 
ten or fifteen feet, with hooks to connect them to each other,, 
and in this way a shelter of any required dimension could be had 
at a comparatively reasonable cost. 

Flocks are generally made up of one thousand to twelve hun- 
dred liead, though it is quite easy for a herder to attend a much 
larger number, and as high as twenty-five hundred in one flock 
is not uncommon. The smaller the number the better, however,, 
as they are more apt to receive better attention from the herder 
and a greater supply of food. The wethers are placed in a sepa- 
rate flock, usually, which is known as the "dry flock ;" and, at 
weaning time the kids may be put with them, which is commonly 
done except when there are enough to make a flock of zveanlings 
when a few old does are required to gradually educate the little 
fellows how to herd. There is no serious objection to mixed 
herds except at breeding time, when the breeding flock should be- 
kept entirely separate, and distinct from all others. 

Culling out old does is an important work to attend to, in 
shaping up a breeding flock, and if you are not able to tell ages 
by an ear mark, the teeth should be the guide, and all does that 



Care and Management of the Angora Goat. :?p/ 

have poor months should be left out, as well as any ill-shaped 
or poorly graded animals. It is customary to cull out does after 
they are six years old, as they have then seen their best days and 
will go down in the scale of vitality, and as producers of mohair 
after that period. They wall make very good breeders, however, 
up to a much greater age, and it is not advisable to cull out well 
graded stock, under ten or twelve years, tmless you want to re- 
duce your holdings. 

Breeding, on the open range, is done practically the same as 
in a pasture. One buck should be provided for fifty does, and 
they should be placed with the flock, alternately, one-half in 
the morning, and the other half in the evening. The bucks 
should be fed grain night and morning, which greatly assists the 
herder in making the necessary change in animals as they will 
come forward for their regular feed, into the feeding pen, or cor- 
ral, when they can be shut in and the others turned into the flock 
with very little trouble. Thirty days time is quite enough to 
serve all the does, which is the custom on all large ranches, when 
all of the bucks should be removed to either the dry (wether) 
flock, or turned into a small pasture. 

The keeping of bneks is a great annoyance unless you have 
proper arrangements for doing so. When they come in season 
(July 1) they will be restless and will try to run away, which they 
often succeed in doing and will sometimes get with the breeding 
flock a month or more before they are wanted, which makes 
great trouble at the kidding period. The best plan is to have a 
small bnck-pastnre, made of seven barbed wires, with stays every 
four feet apart to secure them. 

Herding is a very simple kind of work, apparently, but it 
calls for more skill than one would suppose, for goats, to do well. 
Any one can herd, but there are, comparatively, few who can 
herd properly, and it may therefore be called a professional oc- 
cupation. The Mexican is perhaps the best class to be found 
for this work, as they have been more or less trained to it m 
their native country. 

The herder should be ready to leave his camp as soon as 
the flock leaves the bed-ground : and, in place of staying at the 



393 A Nc:y Indu::try. 

rear end, driving them on, he should be in the extreme front, 
holding the leaders from traveling too fast. The animals should 
be allowed to scatter over as much territory as they care to, as 
long as they remain in sight of each other. Bells should be 
placed on about one, to one hundred head, which should be fas- 
tened securely by a leather strap and buckle, around the neck 
of the animals. These are a great help to the herder, in many 
ways, and will often guide goats into the flock that may have ven- 
tured a little too far off. In the evening the counitng of the bell- 
goats and other noted animals, will aiiford reasonable assurance 
to the herder that he has not lost any during the day. 

Loose herding, or, in other words, permitting the goats to 
go and come at will, has never been very satisfactory except 
with a small flock of fifty, to one hundred, which can find 
browsing without going too far away. If a lot of kids are raised 
by hand they will become very much attached to a place and 
will rarely ever stray off; but old goats are hard to locate, 
and give much trouble. 

Shepherd dogs are all right in the hands of one who under- 
stands them, but it is not wise to permit every herder to use them 
for they often do more harm to the goats, then a fine range will 
do them good. A herder, as a rule, keeps a dog to relieve him- 
self of walking. This makes him lazier than he naturally is and 
in a short while will want the dog to do all the work and he draw 
all the pay. The most serious objection is that, dogs are seldom 
trained properly, or, it may be, that the herder is just commencing 
to teach one, which will run the goats continually, and bite them. 

If the dog has been raised with the flock from a puppy it 
will afford great protection to the flock, and is very useful. I 
know of a number of ranchmen who have small flocks that they 
keep with the assistance of dogs trained to go out in the morning 
and bring the flock back to the corrals in the evening. A large 
dog is the best, as these are less liable to be afraid of a coyote 
or wild cat. A puppy should be placed with a doe that is giving 
milk before its eyes are open. It is best to have two, as it will 
make them bolder and they are company to each other. 

Corrals are only used for penning goats when it is necessary 
to doctor any of them, or work the flock. These can be made 



Care and Maiiagciiicnf of flic Angora Goaf. 5P? 

more cheaply out of brush, cut down and placed in a circular 
form large enough to hold the entire flock, with a smaller corral 
alongside, communicating through a gate. In case of a blizzard, 
or very stormy night, it is proper to corral the goats, but, ordi- 
narily, they will do better to bed on the outside. 

A cuffing cJiufc is a very necessary thing, which is, usually, 
placed at headquarters where the shearing is done. This is used 
for separating or "cutting-out" certain goats from the flock for 
any purpose. It is usually placed on one side of the corral, and 
is constructed out of 1x6 plank about three feet high, wider at 
the entrance, and narrowing down to about fifteen inches wide 
at the centre, which width is continued to the exit, wdiere a gate 
is hung, giving entrance to two corrals. A man holds the cut- 
ting gate, and as the goat approaches he works so as to ha-ve 
the animal go into either corral he desires. 

A dipping vat is another essential on a well-arranged goat 
ranch. This should be placed convenient to water and con- 
structed so that the goat can swim through a vat made narrow 
enough so that it cannot turn around. 

At the exit an inclined plank should be placed , leading from 
the vat, to a dripping platform, where it can rest until the medi- 
cine has dripped back into the vat. 

It is customary to make these vats fifteen to 100 feet long, 
about three and one-half feet deep, and eighteen inches wide on 
the top, tapering to twelve inches at the bottom. They are some- 
times constructed out of rock and cement, which is the most 
economical in the end, though a little more expensive at the 
start. The dripping pen is also the best wdien made out of mas- 
onry, though it is cjuite common to use 2x12 lumber for the vat, 
and ordinary inch plank for the dripping pen, with a railing, 
made like an ordinary fence, to hold the animals while they are 
•dripping. 

If only a small number are to be dipped a large molasses 
barrel can be used and if this will r'ot do, a small portable vat 
large enough for one animal can be made.. 

A camp riisflcr should be provided for every four flocks, 
whose duty is to move camp, haul water and provisions to 



jQ/l. A Nczv Industry. 

herders, make corrals, hunt up stray goats and do whatever 
work may be necessary in connection with the ranch when not 
employed at his regular duties. 

A herder's outfit consists of : 

One small A tent. 

One baking skillet, small. 

One coffee mill, small. 

One bread pan, small. 

One frying pan, small. 

One coffee pot, small. 

Knife and fork. 

One large and one small spoon. 

One tin cup and one tin plate. 

One kettle for heating water. 

One barrel for drinking water. 

The herder is supposed to furnish his own blankets and bed- 
ding. He is furnished regular rations monthly, which are as 
follows : 

Thirty pounds of flour. 

Eight pounds of beans. 

Four pounds of sugar. 

Four pounds of rice. 

One pound of baking powder. 

Twelve pounds of fat bacon or lard. 

Four pounds of coffee. 

One quarter of fresh goat meat r week, which is, sometimes, 
changed for lean bacon. 

Shearing is governed largely by the inclination of the goat 
to shed its hair. In the Southern States this usually begins in 
February; and, in many cases, nearly all the animals will lose 
their entire fleece by the first of March, which necessitates shear- 
ing sometimes in very cold weather.'' It is best to delay shear- 



s-It was Laurence Sterne, I think, who said, "God tempers 
the wind to the shorn lamb;" but, if this was ever a law of nature, it 
was changed long before Texas engaged in raising sheep, and goats, 
for I have seen both lambs and kids frozen to death the night after they 
had been shorn of their fleece. 



Care and Maiiagciiiciif of iJic Angora Goat. ;.q^ 

ing until the weather is mild, if possible; but. inasmuch as the 
does sometimes begin to drop kids early in ]\Iarch, it cannot well 
be delayed beyond the first days of this month, in manv of the 
vStates. 

The first of April for the South and the first day of ]\Iay 
for the North, would be a very good season if it can be so 
arranged. 

Some breeders sJicar tzvicc a year, which they maintain is 
made necessary owing to the extreme length of the hair. ( )thers 
claim that goats can be made to produce more mohair if shorn 
twice, which is true, but it is not advisable to shear more than 
once unless your mohair will meastire over six inches at each 
clipping. Take for instance an animal that will produce a seven- 
inch staple in twelve months' growth : If shorn in the fall it 
will shear say five inches, and, in the spring.perhaps, three more; 
but both clippings will be very much inferior to a single clip of 
seven inches, and will sell for considerably less per pound; hence, 
what is gained in one respect is lost in another. 

The shearing season in Texas is the harvest for a large num- 
ber of Mexicans who organize in gangs, or companies, of from 
ten to fifty, under a captain, who enters into a contract wnth dif- 
ferent owners for shearing at a stated price per head, either with 
board or without it, as the owner may prefer. The price is, 
usually, two cents per head with board, or two and one-half 
cents without. The captain is supposed to superintend the 
shearing and see that the men imder him do not injure the ani- 
mals, for which service he expects a little extra pay, usually 
SI. 00 for each thousand goats shorn. 

A sweeper, and a cook, must be provided, wdio are paid by the 
(lay, which is paid by the owner when board is furnished, and by 
the shearing company when they board themselves. 

Ordinary sheep-shears are commonly used, but it would be 
much better to have a clipping machine to do this work for it is a 
very important matter to have a uniform staple, and it is impos- 
sible to obtain this by the old-fashioned shears. - The loss that 
results from careless clipping of mohair in the United States can- 
not be much less than twenty per cent, in noilage or short liair. 



jg6 A Nczv Industry. 

which has been ah'eady referred to under chapter : "How to Pre- 
pare Mohair for Market." 

TJic sacking of mohair is arranged by suspending the sack- 
in a frame, and pressing it down by the weight of a man who gets 
in and tramps it as close as he can by his own weight. Ordi- 
narily 175 to 200 pounds can be very easily packed in a six-fool 
burlap wool sack, which is quite enough. 

An iron ring is first fastened around the mouth of the sack 
which is then placed in the frame. 

Each class of mohair should be kept separate, both as to 
length of staple and fineness of fiber, and all colored fleeces should 
be packed in a small pocket and then be deposited in one of the 
larger sacks. 

Shearing sheds are usually made with poles and brush to 
shade the men, and plank, or wool sacks, for a floor. It is, of 
course, best to have a proper shed, constructed with pens on the 
side to hold the goats, and sufficient space for packing and stor- 
ing the clip. 

77?^ kidding season is perhaps the busiest time of all others 
on a goat ranch, which calls for an enlarged working force, and 
a considerable increase in expenses. About one month before 
this season commences (as before stated this should be governed 
by the climate where the goats are being bred in), the kidding 
camps should be selected, and corrals made so that there may be 
no confusion when the little strangers begin to arrive. The 
camp rustler can generally find time to make these at odd times, 
which are constructed practically the same as all other working 
corrals. It is well to select a spot that will combine shade from 
the sun, and protection from the cold wind, for the season 
includes both of these extremes of weather, in many places. The 
corrals should be made large enough for as many does as are 
in the flock, with a small corral connecting to place motherless 
kids in. One such corral should be made for each three hundred 
kids, and when these have come, the flock should be moved on 
to corral No. 2, where three hundred more are left, and so on to 
the end. 



Can: and Management of the Angora Goat. :;Qy 

Two men should be placed in charge of each corral, the one 
to herd the does, and the other to attend the kids, and see that 
they do not receive injury, and that they all get sufficient 
nourishment from their mothers. If anv doe should fail to 
suckle her kid she should be tied every night by the horns, and by 
one hind leg as well, close to where her kid is tied, until she is 
willing to own it. The herder should range near the corral and 
come into camp at noon and evening to let the kids suckle. It 
is, sometimes, necessary to mark the kids in order to tell them 
from others, but this is only resorted to when the doe is a poor 
mother. Different colored paints are used, placed on certain 
portions of the body, always observing to mark the kid \vith the 
same colored paint and in the same place as the mother. 

In case of twin kids, one is usually given to some doe that 
ma}' have lost her own, which she will soon learn to recognize 
if the plan of tying her, over night, is practiced for a few nights. 

The most common wav of holding kids is, tying them by 
one leg to a peg, driven into the ground, even with the surface, 
so that the string will not become entangled. This string should 
be of hemp, about twelve or fifteen inches in length and 
should be changed from one leg to the other whenever it . 
begins to bind. It is not unusual for kids to suffer very severly 
if this is not attended to properly, and in many cases the little 
animal will have a very sore foot which will often slough off. 
When kids are two or three weeks old they can be turned loose 
and allowed the freedom of the corral. 

A much more humane way of confining them is in a pen, 
made about three feet square by about sixteen inches to twenty 
inches high, which the mother can easily jump into and is quite 
high enough to hold the little animal until it is large enough 
to be turned loose in the corral. 

Kids. — The kids should not be allowed to go out with the 
fiock until they are about two months old, as they are liable to 
steal off into some thicket of brush and be lost. 

As soon as it is practicable to do so, the kids in dift'erent 
corrals should be bunched together and thus reduce expenses 
in labor. Great care should be used to keep the doe with the 



J9S 



A Nczv Industry. 



kid for some time after birth, so that she may become fully 
-acquainted with it, which she does very soon through the scent, 
and will always be able to pick it out of any number in this way. 
Kids that are dropped during a cold , drizzling rain are 
almost certain to perish, and hence, a shelter will pay very well 
at this season, which has been fully explained under my treat- 
ment of "vSheds." 



PLATK XXXVII. 




A DOE BRINGING HER KID TO CAMP. 

This is a custom followed by Mexican herders. The kid is tied by "all fours," and suspended on the 
neclv of the mother, as shown in the plate. 

When kids are dropped on the range the mother should 
not be disturbed, and if inclined to be restless, she should 
be tied either by the horns, or by one leg, to some convenient 
tree, near her kid, until the flock is ready to return to camp, 
when the camp helper should come out and assist in collecting 
up those that have been dropped. 

A common way of conveying them to camp is by tying their 
legs together and suspending them on the neck of their mother, 



Care ami Maiiagciiiciif of the Angora Goat. jpp 

as shown in plate XXXVII. This is a very good way to keep 
from mixing- them, and it is not at all inhuman, as the little 
things do not seem to suffer any evil effects from it. 

Castrating should be done as soon after the kid is able to 
stand up. as practicable — say in one week after birth. The end 
of the bag is first cut off with a sharp knife and th'e little seeds 
drawn out until the tender cord that holds them breaks asunder. 
This operation seems to give little or no pain when the animal 
is less than one month old, but the longer it is delayed the more 
l)ainful and dangerous the operation becomes. A lot of early 
altered male kids are hard to distinguish from the females when 
they are a year old, while the late altered ones look "staggish," 
and resemble the buck somewhat. 

Docking, or cutting off the tail, is unnecessary. 

Marking, is commonly done by cutting off a part of one, 
or both, ears, which greatly disfigures the animal, but this 
makes no material difference, except wifh fancy stock. A sys- 
tem of notches is sometimes used to distinguish age an sex 
which is very useful in cutting out from a flock as the animals 
pass through the chute. To tell sex alone, it is quite common to 
alternate the ear mark on the doe, and wether, kids, for instance : 
The wethers are marked in the right ear, and the does, in the 
left. 

Punching a hoic in the ear has been abolished for the reason 
that the goat is hable to have the ear torn by catching it in the 
brush. 

Tattooing is a very good method to use in marking pure- 
bred stock, which can be done with colored inks on either ear 
without the slightest disfiguration. 

Branding on the cheek, or nose, in addition to some kind 
of ear-mark is sometimes practiced, and is perhaps the surest 
way of being able to distinguish a goat that has been stolen, 
and the ear-marked changed. 

IVild animals that depredate upon goats consist mainly of 
the covote, or prairie wolf, and wild cat. The fox will sometimes 
steal a kid but is not considered verv troublesome. The coyote 
is perhaps the worst of all owing to his greater cunning, and 



400 A Neiv Industry. 

strength. They will not molest a flock in camp very often, 
though they will occasionally venture up to the outer line, and 
catch a goat while the herder is asleep. A camp fire will often 
keep them away. 'They are more to be dreaded when a bunch 
is cut off from the flock and are lost for a night or two. It is 
on these that the coyote gets in his work. He will, generally, 
get them scattered and destroy the last one if they are out a 
few nights. All this talk about goats being able to defend them- 
selvefe from the attack of a wild animal is news to me. Some 
writer in Dr. Hayes' book claims that he put some goats in his 
flock of sheep to protect them from wild animals. If this is a 
fact they must have been a different species of goats from the 
kind that are raised in Texas. The loss from this source has 
been fully five per cent., on an average, and has been much 
greater than this with some individual flocks. 

The loho, a very large kind of coyote, will often do great 
damage to a flock. The use of strychnine is a very good way to 
get rid of them, but, both the coyote and lobo, are very cun- 
ning about taking the bait, and it should be put in the meat in 
small ca.psules. The carcass of a dead horse is a good thing to 
poison on a range, and will often remove a number of these 
pests, if well poisoned with strychnine. 

Trapping them is often resorted to, which is followed as a 
steady occupation by quite a number of men, who receive pay 
by the head from the owner of the range, in addition to a bounty 
offered by many of the States. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

NOTES FROM PRACTICAL BREEDERS. 

For the purpose of learning with what success the breeding 
of the Angora goat had been attended, in different parts of the 
United States, as Avell as the different customs of breeders in 
handling the animal, I sent out the following list of questions : 

1. Do you find ready sale for vour wether goats? 

2. A\'hat country would you prefer to import new blood 
from. 

3. Are you in favor of a register for thoroughbred goats? 

4. Have you found your section well adapted to raising 
goats ? 

."). Do you herd your goats? 

G. Do you run them in a pasture? 

7. Do you pen them every night? 

8. Do you have sheds for them in winter? 

!'. Have you found goats better able to defend themselves 
from wild animals than sheep are? 

10. Do you feed your goats in winter? 

11. Have your goats ever been troubled with disease? 

12. Do you practice dipping for lice? 

13. Have you found goats objectionable to run with other 
kinds of stock? 

1-1. Do you shear your goats once or twice a year? 

1."). What do you consider a fair crop of kids from 100 
does ? 

1(). Do you have many twin kids? 

IT. Do you have many black, yellow, or off-colored kids? 

IS. What has been your percentage of loss from death per 
year ? 

19. Are goats used much in your State for clearing brush 
land ? 



^02 A New Industry. 

To the foregoing questions I received the following replies : 
Rev. D. S. Babb, Sonora, Texas, says : 

"I only herd my goats when kidding. 

"A six-wire fence will hold them. 

■'I pen them at night only in stormy weather. 

"Have never shedded them. 

"I have seen as many as 2,000 goats in one flock. 

"If goats are not kept under herd, or very carefully watched, I 
estimate ten per cent, loss from wild animals, and strays. 

"I do not dip for lice regularly. 

"I think it is best to shear twice a year. 

"I breed generally 25tli October. 

"I do not have many twins from high grades, and but a few off- 
colored. 

M. R. H. Wyatt, Sonora, Texas, says : 

"I have found our country very good for goats. 

"I only herd during kidding time. 

"I loose herd them at other times. 

"A seven-wire fence will hold goats, or a five-wire fence with pickets, 
or rock imderneath, say two feet high. 

"I always pen at night. Have never shedded. 

"I find goats are good to protect the young kids from attack of 
dogs or wolves. 

"I have never fed any in winter. 

"I have never dipped for the lice. 

"Have never had any disease. 

"I usually breed October 25th." 

Mr. John Brown, Sonora, Texas, says : . . 

"We have, in recent years, had no trouble in selling our mutton 
goats to feeders, but formerly had very little demand for them. 

"Am in favor of importing new blood from any place that we car 
find better stock than we have already. 

"I keep some goats in pasture, though most of them in flocks. My 
fence is a seven-barbed wire. 

"I never pen goats except when I am working with them in kidding 
time. I do not shed them, but it would be the better plan. 

"I run 1,500 head in a flock. 

"I never feed, but it would be of great advantage sometimes. 

"I estimate cost of running goats 40 cents to 45 cents per head per 
year. 

"I dip for lice. 



Ahtcs — Practical Breeders. ^oj 

"Begin kidding 1st of April. 

"We have generally twenty or twenty-five per cent, twins. 

"Very few colored kids. 

"Our losses are about one per cent, from death. 

"A goat will shear one pound more that is sheared twice a year. 
but it will not sell for as much by 6 cents to 10 cents per pound as ii 
sheared only once." 

Mr. H. W. Galbraith, Montell, Texas, says : 

"We sell muton goats readily at either local markets, in San An- 
tonio, or Kansas City. 

"We do not need any new blood from either Turkey or South 
Africa. 

"We run from 1,250 to 1,500 in a flock. 

"We estimate 48 cents per head the expense of keeping goats, includ- 
ing shearing, kidding, and range. 

"We sometimes dip for lice, though not as a regular thing. When 
we do, we use lime and sulphur. 

"We begin breeding the 1st to 20th of October. 

"Have very few twins and seldom any ofT-colors. 

"W^e have less than five per cent, losses, not including those killed 
by wolves. 

"I raise dogs with my goats which I find a very great advantage, 
enabling me to bed out regardless of the wild animals." 

Mr. Wm. M. Landrum, Laguna, Texas, says : 

"We have no trouble now in selling all our wether goats. 

"I am in favor of importing new blood from the Cape of Good Hope. 

"I think it will be a very difficult matter to have a register for 
Angora goats. 

"I have found them better adapted to this part of Texas than any 
other kind of stock. 

"We herd our goats sometimes and pasture sometimes. 

"Our fencing is made of barbed wire. 

"We only pen at times. 

"We keep anywhere from oOO to 2,000 in a flock. 

"The goat is, perhaps, better able to protect itself from wild animals 
than a sheep, but will not do so always. 

"Foot-rot is the only trouble we have had in the form of disease, 
and this only occurs where the pasture is wet or muddy. 

"It is well to dip goats in tobacco and corrosive sublimate, dis- 
solved in salamoniac, for the lice. (See receipt under diseases.) 

"Low-grade goats will increase at the rate of 125 per cent, to 150 
per cent. High grades, eighty per cent, to 100 per cent. 



404 A Nezv Industry. 

"Pure breeds have twins about one to ten does. 

'"Low grades will often have off-colored kids. 

"Percentage of loss from death is about three to five per cent." 

Mr. Jeff Pepper, Rock Springs, Texas, says : 

"We run 1/200 head, in a flock. 

"Cost of keeping goats we estimate at 25 cents per head. 

"We begin breeding October 15th." 

Mr. Henry Fink, Leon Springs, Texas, says : 

"We would prefer to pasture goats, but cannot do so on account 
of wolves. 

"We run them m flocks from 800 to 1,200. 

"Wolves seem to kill goats as easily as they do sheep. 

"We only feed poor goats in winter cotton seed. 

"Estimated cost of running goats, 20 cents per head, including 
shearing. 

"We begin breeding October 1st. 

"Our losses average two per cent., except losses from wolves.' 

Mr. J. M. Arnold, Montell, Uvalde County, Texas, says : 

"We have no trouble to sell wether goats anywhere, but usuallj^ ship 
to Chicago. 

"I do not think we have any need to import new blood, as I believe 
we have as good as there is in Turkey or South Africa. 

"We have found this country excellent for goats. 

"We run from 1,200 to 1,600 head in a flock. 

"We only feed one stud flock in winter. We feed corn and wheal 
bran. 

"We estimate cost of expense of handling goats 50 cents per annum, 
including shearing. 

"We occasionly have sore feet, owing to rainy weather. They 
should never be penned in a muddy or wet pen. 

"We dip sometimes for lice. Use 'Cannon's Dip.' 

"We find goats advantageous to pasture with other stock. 

"We shear in October and March. 

"Begin breeding October 10th. 

"We have very few twins of late years. No off-colors to speak of. 

"Some kind of shelter for goats in cold rains in winter, would be 
of great advantage. If kept dry, cold will not injure them. We bed 
flocks in camp, and never pen except to count, or shear, or when 
kidding. 

"If they are penned in a damp corral they will take what is termed 
'foot evil." It is not 'foot rot," but a very troublesome disease of the 



A'ofcs — Practical Breeders. 



405 



feet, and they are never troubled with it when they have a dry place 
to travel and herd over. 

"I have found Angora goats to be the most profitable animal we 
could raise here. Have been breeding them for twenty years, and I 
look for a grand future for the business in the United States. 

"We have never used them for exterminating brush but have 
observed they will make a grassless thicket a meadow in a few years. 
Mountain ranges are greatly benefitted by goats, as regards growth 
of grass." 

Mr. C. Dissler, Juno, Texas, says : 

"We do not dip for lice, but after shearing use coal oil, which we 
apply with a rag, and find it removes them. 
"We breed October 1st. 

"Have but few off-colored kids; some red ones. 
"Our losses are not heavy." 

jNIr. James Patterson, Junction City, Texas, says : 

''We have had no trouble in selling mutton goats. 

-We run 1,500 to '2,000 in a flock. 

"We estimate Go cents per head the cost of keeping a goat per year. 

"We use sulphur and lime when dipping for lice. 

"We begin breeding November 10th. 

"Our losses from death are about one per cent. 

Messrs. Doughten & Luttrell. Lipan, Texas, says : 

"We find a ready market for our mutton goats at Fort Worth. 

"We pasture our goats only in winter. In summer we run them 
in flocks from 700 to 1,400 head. 

"We do not think there is much difference between goats, and sheep, 
as far as dogs and wild animals are concerned. 

"We feed cotton seed and hay in winter, costing us 20 cents for two 
bushels seed for the head. 

We begin kidding generally by March 10th." 

"Out of 600 does we had one pair of twins this year, and four black 
or oflf-colored ones." 

Col. W. W. Haupt, Kyle, Texas, says : 

"For a goat-proof fence, I make one of barbed wire, with the three 
bottom wires five inches apart, then* widen. 

"I feed in bad weather cotton seed or corn, sprinkled on tlfe 
ground. 

"My goats never cost me a cent. I allow them to run loose. 



4o6 A Nezv Iiidiisfry. 

"I dip in anything but a sulphur dip. 

"I have found goats an advantage with other stock. 

"We shear twice a year or we would lose goats by tangling up in 
brush and briars. 

"We begin breeding as soon as they come in season in the fall. 

"Have twins very seldom in pure and high grades. No ofif-colored 
kids except from goats under third cross. 

"Never saw a goat die." 

Mr. Geo. W. Baylor, Montell, Texas, says : 

"I keep some goats in a six-barbed wire fence, but herd the most 
of them. 

"I only pen my thoroughbreds, and shed them as well. 

"I run 1,200 to 1,500 in a flock. 

"No sickness or disease, but have had some few die from poison. 

"We use Zenolium, or Little's Dip, for lice. 

"They do finely with cattle, and no drawback to the cattle. 

"We kid in March. 

"The higher the grade the less twins. Three per cent, oft'-colored 
in grade flock. None with the thoroughbred flock." 

Hon. B. L. Crouch, Pearsall, Texas, says : 

"I am no longer in the goat business, but cheerfully give my 
experience when I was handling them. 

"I never had any trouble to sell fat goats. 

"From Oakville, to El Paso, I think, equals any place in the world 
for raising goats. 

"A seven-barbed wire is enough to p?sture goats. 

"I always bedded my goats. Never penned them at night. 

"I used to run 1,500 to 2,000 head in a flock. 

"As to their self-protecting quality, I found that they could outrun 
sheep, but wolves are very fond of them. 

"Cost of keeping goats from 30 to 40 cents. It depends on locality. 

"I used to dip in sulphur for lice. 

"I don't think it is proper to run sheep and goats together, the 
latter travel too fast. 

"Kidding shoifld begin here about March 1st. 

"Ninety to 100 per cent, is an ayerage kidding. 

"I do not recollect my percentage from losses. I owned goats 
from 1872 to 1893. 

"If we could get rid of the wild animals, Texas would be a paradise 
for the goat. 

"I think the present tariff on Mexican breeding goats should be 
removed in order to enable breeders to get some does from that 
country free of duty. 



Notes — Practical Breeder. 



407 



"I also favor a high rate of duty on mohair to encourage the 
American breeders of goats. We ought to raise all of our mohair and 
goat skins, and can easily do it with proper tariff to encourage the 
industry. 

"It seems to me that associations should be formed to bring in 
more thoroughbred goats, as was done in the forties and fifties by 
the Illinois farmers with the short horn cattle, which has resulted in 
such great benefit to them and the United States at large." 

Mr. D. G: Avery, Marathon, Texas, says : 

"I find market for wether mutton in El Paso without trouble. 

"Our mountains are especially fine for goats. 

"We run 2,000 in a flock. 

"Cost of keeping we estimate at 30 cents per head. 

"I do not dip for lice but think we ought to do so. I favor lime 
and sulphur. 

"We begin kidding March and April. 

"With large flocks, ninety per cent, increase is about our experience. 
In small fiocks the increase should be greater. 

"Our losses are greater some years than others, but usually very 
small." 

Mr. J. W. Garrett, Mountain Home, Texas, says : 

"Our country is adapted to raising goats as well as any I have 
ever seen. 

"We run from 1,500 to 1,750 in a flock. 

"I have no sheep, but the wolves bother my neighbors' sheep 
much more than they do my goats. 

"The cost of running goats depends on how many you have in flock. 
We estimate about 121/^ cents. 

"We begin breeding October 15th to November 1st. 

"About two-thirds of our old does have twins, some of them 
triplets. 

"We have some yellow kids." 

Hon. R. H. Lowry, Camp San Saba, Texas, says : 

"We run 500 to 1,500 head in a flock. 

"The only objection I see to goats in a pasture with other stock is 
they tramp the grass down. 

"We begin breeding October 5th to 10th. 

"We have very few twins and very few off-colored kids." 

Mr. H. B. Marshall, Austin, Texas, says : 

"We have no trouble to sell all our mutton goats in Austin. 
"Am building a cedar picket fence to pasture my goats. 



4o8 A Nctv Industry. 

"I only have about 500 head. 
"My kids generally come about March 20th. 

"Do not have many twins; and, about one in a hundred off- 
colored. 

"My losses have never exceeded two per cent." 

Mr. J. D. Hunter, Junction City, Texas, says : 

"The altitude of our country is 1,800 feet above sea level. 

"We have a wire, and picket, fence. 

"We begin breeding in October. 

"A crop of kids with us is often 150 per cent. 

"Our losses are nothing" except by wolves or cayotes." 

Mr. Tom S. Evans, Exile, Texas : 

"We have found ready sale for mutton goats in local markets and 
Kansas City. 

"The altitude of our section is 1,200 to 1,400 feet. 

"We herd mostly, but pasture some. 

Our pasture fence for goats is a seven barbed wire, with stays 
every three feet apart. 

"We only shed occasionly. 

"We run 1,000 to 1,500, but prefer 1,000 in a flock. 

"We only feed a little in winter. Sorghum and cotton seed. 

"We estimate cost of keeping goats at 30 to 40 cents per year. 

"We begin kidding about March 20th to 25th. 

"We have from twenty-five to fifty per cent, of twin kids. 

"Seldom any off-colored; a few black ones once in a while." 

Mr. H. T. Fuchs, Tiger Mill, Texas, says : 

"I sell my wether goats as mutton in my own neighborhood, with- 
out any difficulty. 

"I am in favor of a register, if it can be conducted honestly. 

"My goats always come to the pens at night. 

"Small flocks do better than large ones. 

"I have lost heavily from wolves. 

"We sometimes cut live oak bushes in winter to feed. 

"Have had some to die from eating green persimmons. 

"Have never dipped for lice, but think it is a good plan. 

"I find goats a benefit to other stock rather than a disadvantage. 

"We shear in September and March. 

"We have nothing but pure white kids." 

Mr. Wm. R. McKee, Junction City, Texas, says : 

"I allow my goats to run loose, except during kidding time, when 
I place them under herd. 



Notes — Practical Breeders. ^^op 

"My pasture fence has only six wires. 

"I pen only for the purpose of doctoring for screw worms, or 
during the kidding" period and for shearing. 

"The cost of keeping my goats does not exceed 20 cents per year 
per head. 

"I begin breeding by the 15th to 'iOth of October. 

"Loss from death is not very great. 

"I consider my goats as of great benefit to my other stock in keep- 
ing down underbrush, and eating up noxious weeds. 

"I have never had any difficulty in selling my wether goats for 
mutton purposes." 

Hon. Thos. H. Tongue. Hillsboro, Oregon, says : 

"Our pasture fence is principally rail the corners kept straight with 
stakes wired together. 

"We pen and shed only in the winter. I have found that they require 
shelter from rainy weather more than sheep do. 

"Have had much less trouble from dogs than with sheep. 

"The cost of keeping is very small. We consider it practically 
nothing. 

"We feed but very little in the winter, and then only straw and 
brush. 

"Have never known of any disease among goats in this state. 

"I have never had occasion to dip. I feed sulphur with the salt 
} give them and this seems to keep them free from lice. 

'Have had best success in breeding commencing latter part of 
November or first of December. 

"Aly percentage of kids has been very small, but I attribute it to 
carlessness of my hired hands — a want of knowing how to manage them. 

"Have very few off-colored kids. 

"Very few losses from death. It is rare for a goat to die except 
from old age." 

'Sir. Geo. A. Houck, Engene, Oregon, says : 

"The altitude of our country is 500 feet, and is well suited to 
the Angora. 

"W'e fence with four boards and wire, or six rails, also two boards 
and tour wires. 

"We only shed our nannies. 

"We usually keep 50 to 15() nannies, and 500 hundred wethers in a 
tiock. 

"The wethers will protect themselves against dogs and wolves, but 
the nannies will not. 

"\\'e onlv feed oak brush in winter. 



410 A Nezv , Industry. 

"We figure on paying expenses with 40 cents per head. 

"Have always sheared once, but intend to shear twice hereafter. 

"I begin breeding November 10th to 20th. 

"Have had no off-colored kids in ten years. 

"My losses are light, chiefly from old age and accident. 

"As to importing new blood, if we could get good ones, it would 
be a good thing to do; but if we cannot, we can make them good 
enough from what we have." 

Mr. Scott Obye, North Yamhill, Oregon ,says : 

"We have our fencing of rails, or planks, whichever is most 
convenient. 

"We do not pen at night, and only shed the goats in bad weather. 

"We run 1,000 head in a flock. 

"We feed only oak brush in stormy weather. 

"We consider the cost of keeping goats nothing. 

"We have been troubled some with foot-rot. 

"We consider goats a benefit to othei stock in same pasture. 

"We begin breeding the last of September. 

"Have twins only from grades; none from thoroughbred stock. 

"Have only had one colored kid in seven years' breeding. 

"We have no losses." 

Mr. D. A. Walker, Carlton, Oregon, says : 

"I sell my wethers to my neighbors. 

"I run my goats loose. Do not pen, except in winter, when I pen 
and shed them. 

"I only cut brush for them to eat in winter. 

"Cost of keeping nothing, except shearing, 5 cents per head. 

"I breed November 1st. 

"Have only a few twins. No off-colors. 

"Goats that are starved during the summer are liable to take scours 
in winter, and, owing to the impaired condition of their constitution, 
may die. My father lost quite a number one winter from this cause. 

"I keep my goats for shearing", not for grubbing." 

Mr. O. Dowell, Florence, Oregon : 

"We have never had occasion to sell any of our wether goats. 
"Fencing for goats needs to be built up perpendicular; matters not 
what it is made of, if not rock. 

"Sometimes I feed hay and roots in winter. 

"Twenty-five cents per annum will cover expense of running goats. 

"I use a tobacco dip for lice. 

"AH of my two-year-olds bring twins, and sometimes three and four. 



Notes — Practical Breeders. ^/r 

"Have very few off-colors. 

"My goats are very large; wethers weigh 185 pounds and does- 
145 pounds grown. 

"They shear two and one-half pounds for does, and five pounds 
for wethers. 

"My ranch is about four miles from the ocean. The bottom land' 
is only forty feet, and the hill land 100 to 300 feet above sea level. 

"I began keeping goats a little over three years ago. The increase 
in that time has been seventy-five head from five old nannies. Over half 
my kids have been males. When I got them they had foot rot very 
badly. It took me four or five months to cure it. I used vitrol and pine 
tar. Since cured of that they have been perfectly healthy in every 
respect. Some of my neighbors brought in some goats that died from 
leeches in their liver. 

"Some of my goats take the billy in August and September and drop 
kids in January, and some bring kids again in August. Some that 
have twins in winter, bring only one in summer. I had one nannie that 
had four kids at one birth, and several that had three." 

Mr. A. Blackburn, North Yamhill, Oregon, says : 

"We have sheds where our goats can go if they care to have shelter.. 

"We are not troubled with wolves here, but in Southern Counties, 
goats are raised where sheep have been destroyed by wolves. 

"We feed straw in winter on rainy days. 

"We estimate cost of keeping 25 cents per head per year, if they have 
a good brushy range. 

"We use the McDougal Dip for lice. 

"Shearing twice should be given up by all breeders as it is ruining 
the inarket. 

"We begin breeding here November 5th. 

"We only have a few twin kids, and sometimes a sandy color. 

"Our death rate is about four per cent." 

Mr. J. M. Hassler, Larwood, Oregon, says : 

"We have a rail fence around our goat pasture. 
"We have sheds for them to go to at will. 
"We feed only straw in bad winter weather. 

"We estimate the work they do inclearing land more than pays- 
for the expense of keeping them. 
"We use Wakley's Dip for lice. 
"We breed in November. 

''We do not have many twins, and occasionly a black or yellow kid. 
"We lose about three to five per cent, from death in young stock. 



^i2 A New Industry. 

"We are troubled with foot rot some, caused by too much damp, 
low pasture. I have a remedy and mine have not been troubled for 
two 3'ears." 

Mr. J. H. Hawley, Monmouth, Oregon, says : 

"We sell wethers readily to farmers. 
"We have plank fencing for goat pastures. 
"We "only pen in case of storms. 

"We feed only when snow is on the ground. Feed straw and chop 
grain. 

"We don't figure that goats cost us anything but salt.. 
"We breed middle of November. 

Mr. PVank H. Rogers, Gardiner. Oregon, says : 

"The altitude of our section is only "JUO feet. 

"Our goats run loose. We pen and shed them every night. 

"I have found them very much more able to protect themselves 
against dogs than sheep are. They generally take a stand, and intimi- 
date a dog by the bold front they all present. 

"In winter I feed clover and timothy hay. 

"I estimate cost of keeping goats '25 cents per head. 

"Have had some liver fluke or leach, mange and hoof rot. 

"We use different kinds of sheep dip for lice. 

"We begin kidding usually the first of April. 

"Have but few twins. No off-colored kids." 

Mr. Oscar Tom, Angora, Oregon : 

"I only have a small number (about eighty does), and usually sell 
all my male kids as bucks, consequently I do not sell wethers. 

"My section is mountainous and I do not herd my goats. 

"They come home at night, and if they are attacked by animals of 
any kind will run home in the day time. 

"I estimate the cost of keeping them as nothing. 

"The only disease I have had to contend with has been foot-rot, 
and the occasional poisoning of one from eating poison ivy. 

"I consider goats advantageous to run with other stock. 

"I begin breeding usually the first of November. 

Mr. Masters, Cleveland, Oregon, says : 

"I find ready sale for all my wethers to farmers, who use them for 
■clearing brush land. 

"I fence with pickets, five feet high 

"Foot rot is all the trouble we have had in the form of siqkness 
or disease. It seems to be the same as the sheep have. 



AUitcs — Practical Breeders. _ii:^ 

"I breed September loth. 

"I cull and sell all my old goats, which keeps my losses small from 
death." 

Mr. James McDonald, Morrison, Oregon, says : 

"I find ready sale for my wethers to my neighbors, who use them 
for mutton. 

"The altitude of our section is "250 ftet. 

"I make my pasture with poles woven with wire. 

"They come to the shed themselves. 

"I do not figure that my goats cost me anything for keeping. 

"Have been troubled some with scours, lately. 

"I don't dip for lice, but think I ought to. 

"I breed November Inth.' 

Mr. N. Woodward, Dallas, Oregon, says : 

"Pasture fences made from rails are used; also from posts. I like 
the latter best. 

"I only pen and shed my goats in winter. 

"I find that a bunch of wethers, with a lot of does, is a safeguard 
against attacks from wolves. 

"I feed hay and straw in winter. 

"I think goats should not be herded with sheep. 

"I breed the first of November. 

"I have no black or off-colored kids. 

"I regard the Angora goat as being a very useful and valuable 
animal, not alone for their wool, but for their meat as well, and for 
clearing land." 

]\Ir. \A\ D. Claggett, Salem, Oregon, says : 

"T make fences out of barbed wire and boards. 

"I find that old goats will defend themselves against wolves, but 
they are bad on kids. 

"I do not shed, or pen, them at night. 

"I feed nothing but brush. 

"I estimate they cost me nothing to keep. 

"Have had some dysentery. 

"I dip with tobacco for lice. 

"I breed in November. 

"Twins only come from my grade goats. 

"I have a few yellow and blue kids. 

"In small bands of goats the loss is trifling." 



414 ^^ Neiv Industry. 

Messrs. Conklin Bros., Newville, California, says : 

"In fencing to enclose goats we use three seven-inch boards and 
. one barbed wire. Woven wire is taking the lead and is being used in 
preference to anything else. 

"We run our flocks in lots of 800 or 900 head. 

"We have found grown goats more capable of resisting dogs than 
sheep are, but the kids are liable to be destroyed by them if away from 
the flock. 

"We find a ready market in San Francisco for all the wether 
goats we wish to sell. 

"We estimate the cost of keeping goats in our section at about 
25 cents per head per year. 

"We consider goats are a great advantage to run with other stock, 
rather than a disadvantage. 

"We begin breeding our goats November 20th. 

"We think five per cent, should cover all losses. 

"At the present time (July 15), we have our goats on the summit 
- of the coast range, at an altitude of 7,000 feet, where all vegetation is 
green and growing, and the climate is very cool and water as cold as ice. 
Snow is on the ground and the goats delight to wallow in it. This, we 
think, causes the mohair to grow earlier and faster, than in the warm 
climate of our winter range in the Saciamento valley. It seems that 
nature tries to provide a coat to correspond with the climate." 

Mr. E. Iv. Maze, Upper Lake, California, says : 

"I generally run 1,000 to 1,500 head of goats to a flock. 
"We estimate cost of keeping them 20 cents per head per year. 
"We think the goat is much more capable of resisting the attack 
of dogs, or wild animals, than the sheep is. 

"We begin breeding about November 1st." 

Mr. J. M. Wimmer, Millville, California, says : 

"We only have occasion to feed a little during the winter months, 
which is generally our older goats. 

"I figure the cost of keeping 50 cents to 60 cents per year. 

"Goats sometimes get poisoned, but nearly always will recover 
irom it. 

"Our kidding season begins the middle of April. 

"If our goats are in good condition, we estimate on a loss of three 
'.per cent, to four per cent, per annum." 

Mr. F. G. Smith, Skaggs Springs, California, says : 

"Ifind ready sale for wether goats in San Francisco. 
"I only pen my goats during kidding time. 



Notes — Practical Breeders. 



415 



"I shear one time — in January or February. 

"We aim to have our kids come aftei March 15th. 

"We have more twins some years than others. 

"Have never had one black kid in seven years. 

"Our percentage of loss is very small. Mainly old does. 

"Fencing.^Many people have the idea that goats are very breechy, 
but it is not so. My first enclosure was a board fence, four and one- 
half feet high, such as is seen along railroad lines; boards sixteen feet 
long, and posts eight feet apart, five boards to a panel. I used wire on 
one occasion and first put my posts twelve feet apart, but found that the 
goats would crawl through, so I placed a post in between the others 
making them only six feet apart, which answered well. Picket fences 
are largely used in California, made from redwood timber, split in small 
sizes and driven in the ground, six to the yard. A common brush 
fence, properly constructed, will turn goats. 

"Kidding. — I turn my goats out early in the morning and drive 
them back about 9 o'clock, where they remain until 4 p. m., when they 
are allowed to feed again until sundown. As most of the kids come 
during the time they are in the corral, we have very little trouble in 
'packing' them to the corral. We have a specially prepared place for 
the kids inside of a rough building which consists of a row of stalls 
3x3 feet, into which a doe and her kid are shut up for the night. If 
the kid has not suckled, it is assisted or forced to do so. This building 
opens into a small pasture, as the does have little desire to leave their 
kids for several days, they are turned into this pasture with their kids 
and looked after morning and evening to see that they suck. After a 
short tirne the does are turned into the range and the kids are allowed to 
run in the pasture until they are two months old, when they are placed 
in the flock with their mothers. 

"Last year I sent a carload of fat wethers to San Francisco, which 
netted me $2.40 each for the meat. They were all large, heavy-fleeced 
animals. I had arranged in advance with a butcher to handle them, 
for which service he received 50 cents per head. 

"I have heard of some shipments to San Francisco that did not net 
the shipper 75 cents per head, owing to the fact that no arrangement 
had been made about selling them." 

Mr. C. P. Bailey, San Jose, California, says : 

"We run our flocks in lots of 1,500 to 2,000 head. 

"Have found goats more capable of resisting wild animals than 
sheep are. 

"We sometimes feed kids alfalfa in winter. 

"We estimate cost of keeping at 60 cents per head per year. 

"We sometimes dip our goats for lice. Use black-leaf tobacco dip. 

"We begin breeding October 1st to November 25tli." 



^/d A Nczv Industry. 

X. Y. Z., Ono, California, says : 

"We run our goats in" flocks of 300. ■ 

"Have two large sheds connected with our corrals. 

"I lose quite a number from wild animals. 

"Cost of iceeping 50 cents to $1.0(1 per head, according to cost 
of labor. 

"Have had goats eleven years and never had any disease among 
them. 

"I keep cattle on same range with my goats and find they both 
get along well together. 

"We shear twice a year, as snow hangs in the wool in winter in great 
balls if allowed to get long. 

"We have kids come in April. 

"The poorest wooled does have mostly twins. 

"Have a few red kids. 

"This section of California is mountanous and every one has a 
small flock of goats from twenty-five to 300 head. 

"The last few years cayotes have been very destructive. Some 
people raise a dog with the kids and it herds them well when there are 
only a small number. 

"When we have a heavy crop of black oak acorns, I do not raise 
over fifteen per cent, of my kids; the most of them die as soon as born, 
or are born dead. I suppose it must be caused by the acorns, as I never 
loose any, or have any trouble, except following a heavy crop of these 
acorns. A few acorns will not affect them seriously. 

"Butchers buy all our wethers in this country, and pay $1.50 to 
$2.00 each for them. I deliver mine dressed, at the mines, near here, 
and get 5 cents, to 6 cents, per pound, and get about 30 cents for my 
skins, sheared. 

"I have never bought a pure bred Angora buck.* I buy or trade 
for one every second year, and get the best I can in this part of the 
country." 

Mr. Wni. Richter, Ico, California, says: 

"We find sale for wether goats anywhere in the State 

"Stock goats sell for $-2;Oo to $3.00 per head. 

"The altitude of our County is 1,000 feet above sea level. 

"We herd our goats with a dog, and run them in flocks of 1,000 head. 
They herd them and bring them home every night, and keep wild 
animals from bothering them. 



(*Foot note.— If the reader will observe XYZ's report on shearing, 
he will see that he only receives two pounds from wethers, one and one- 
half from does, and one pound from- kids, which is no doubt owing to the 
need of purer bucks.) 



A'Otcs — Practical Breeders. _/// 

"Have found goats more capable of defending themselves against 
dogs than sheep. 

"We estimate cost of keeping goats nothing. 

"We begin breeding in October. 

"We have a great many twin kids every other year. 

"We figure our per cent, of loss nothing from death." 

Mr. Jas. H. Ditnison, Upper Lake, California, says : 

"We have only found a market for our wethers in late years. We 
sell at San Francisco, now, without trouble. 

"I am decidedly in favor of importing new blood. That is, what is 
needed. 

"We run them in flocks of 1,000 head. 

"We find them more capable of protecting themselves from wild 
animals and dogs than sheep are. 

"I do not feed in winter but I think it will pay to do so. 

"I estimate cost of keeping 15 cents to 20 cents per head. 

"Regarding disease, goats sometimes get poisoned. They call it 
blind staggers." 

Mr. Philo Ogden, Upper Lake, California, says : j 

"We find ready sale for our wethers at home markets. 

"Our altitude is 2,000 feet above sea level. 

"We pasture our goats and use board and picket fencing. 

"We estimate cost of keeping, per year, $1.00 per head. 

"We begin kidding April 1st. 

"We have about ten per cent, twins. 

"No colored kids." 

Mr. Jacob Oaks, Paskenta, California, says : 

"We find market for our wether goats in small towns. 

"Our altitude is 1000 feet. ; 

"We have known them to bunoh up and fight dogs. i 

"We estimate cost of keeping, 15 cents per head per year. 

"We begin breeding October 25. 

"We have a great many twins and very often triplets. 

"I started in with only a few goats for meat purposes, and soon had 
quite a flock of them which I let out on shares, as I have no brush land 
on my farm now." 

E. R. Williams, Redding. Cal. says : 

"Am in favor of starting a register and importing new blood 
wherever we can get the best. 

"Anj' ordinar^v close fence will hold goats. 



_fi8 A A'ezi' Industry. 

"I regard them an advantage to other stock, rather than a disad- 
vantage when they are kept in the same pasture. 

"We begin breeding in October. 

"Some of my neighbors are bothered with 'crooked kids.' They 
say it is acorns. I think it comes from in-breeding. 

"I liave dogs trained to stay with my goats. It is a great success 
with small docks. 

"We have but very few losses from death. Have lost some from 
eating buckeye and milk weed. I dose them with lard. 

"There are quite a number of goat raisers in this section." 

l\[r. R. J. Linton, Ager, California, says : 

"I butcher all my own wether goats and market them at Yreka. 

"The altitude of our country is 800 feet. 

"We run them in tlocks of 400. 

"We find that goats are more capable of defending themselves from 
dogs or wild animals than sheep are. They stand and look at them 
when sheep will run away. 

"Cost of keeping is a boy's wages. $10.00 per month. 

"I intend to practice dipping for lice though I never have done 
so yet. I shall use tobacco stems. 

"\\'e begin breeding November 1st. 

"Have very few black kids." ■ 

A. ^ioon, Ona. Cal. : 

"We sell our mutton goats at our home market. 
"Pasture sometimes and herd sometimes. 
"Our fencing is made from pickets. 
"Have only about 500 head. 
• "We only feed clover hay in bad. snowy weather. 
"Cost of keeping is very small. 
"Begin breeding" November loth. 
"Have very few otT-colored kids." 

]\Jr. Jas. A\'ilder, Paskenta. California, says : 

"^^'e only pen goats in winter time. 

"Have never lost a goat by wolves. The wild cats are very bad on 
yoitng kids. 

"We estimate cost of running goats. "25 cents to 35 cents, according 
to how they are run. 

"We begin breeding November 1st." 

Mr. T. T. (r)sorne, Lowrey, Tehama County, California, says : 

'T have only been in the goat business six years. I commenced with 
'200 nannies. Mv goats are of the Julius Weyand stock. I have 



Ah)fcs — Practical Breeders. ^jp 

sold 400 head, and still have 1,100 head. My range is better than it 
has ever been. Goats are good property now, and they are easily 
handled. 

"I have sheds "200 feet long for kidding. I have pens for does and 
Icids along one side of my shed, about twenty inches high, so that 
nannies can jump in to their kids. When the kid is large enough to 
jump out, I let him go with his mother. I find this easier than picketing 
them out with rope. 

"I raised 500 goats this spring. 

"My range, before I got goats, I could not run twenty-five head 
of cattle on; now I can run 150 head of cattle. Goats are the stock 
for brushy land; they clear the land and the grass takes its place. 

"My goats shear four pounds a year. I shear twice a year. My fall 
•clip cleared me 27 cents, and my spring clip 2Qyo cents. 

"I take lots of interest in my goats. I think they are the stock for 
cl poor man to raise. When I started in the goat business, 1 borrowed 
$650.00 and paid ten per cent, interest on it; now I have paid off that 
note and bought 1,600 acres of land just off my goats. I got my range 
for 25 cents an acre, and wouldn't sell it today for $2.00 an acre." 

Mr. D. C. Taylor, Lake Valley, N. M., says : 

"I think we have the best goat country in the world m the Black- 
Range Mountains. Altitude 6,000 feet. Dry climate (only about six 
inches rain, on an average per year, and nearly all this in July). Plenty 
of evergreen brush, and plenty of range. Water is scarce, on which 
account a watered place commands a large free range. I only own 
three forty-acre tracts, and control 30,000 acres of range. 

"I had about 800 does this (1899) year and will raise about 783 kids, 
■with one $10.00-a-month Mexican boy for herder. 

"I have my pens so arranged that two men can save all the kids 
from 1,000 does with very little labor. It is all in knowing how. 

"I shear my dry goats twice a year; my breeding does only once." 

Mr. J. C. Hightower, Rnidosa, N. M., says : 

"I sell my wethers at home without trouble. 

"I find this country well adapted to the goat business. Altitude is 
■6,500 feet. 

"I run 1,200 in a flock. I have seen as many as 3,000 head in 
one flock. 

"I estimate 40 cents as cost of keeping per year. 

"I breed about November 15th. 

"Percentage of loss from natural causes is small, probably two per 
cent., but sometimes the loss is heavy after shearing, unless they are 
protected by sheds." 



420 A New Industry. 

Mr. A. D. Norcop, Separ, N. M., says: 

"This is what might be called a semi-desert country. Brush is 
scarce. We have sotol, corahanoo palmyra, or dagger, mesquite, grease 
wood, etc., etc. Higher tip in the Burro Mountains we have what is 
known as mahogony oak. juniper, and other brush. 

"We don't think it advisable to run goats with other stock in this 
country. Our water is scarce, and I don't think horses, or cattle, like to 
drink at the same trough with goats. Besides this, the goats are 
often e.ither killed or injured by the larger stock when they are watering 
at the same time. 

"I have Mexican herders. 

"I sell our mutton at Silver City. 

"I have known of goats killing the cayote when the latter has 
sneaked into their corral or pen. 

"I estimate cost of keeping goats here, "25 cents per head per annum. 

"I have never dipped for lice but intend to begin the practice as I 
consider it would be an advantage to the animal. 

"I do not have very many twin kids, and but a few off-colored kids 
which I visually kill." 

Mr. E. VVeistrand, Cooiiey, N. M., says : 

"I think we have the finest goat country in America. 
"I run 1,000 nannies in a flock. 
. "I begin breeding in November. 
"Have no ofif-colored kids." 

The Onclerdonk Live Stock Co., Lamy, N. M., say: 

Oiir experience has been greater with the common (Mexican) 
goat than with the Angora; but we are of the opinion the latter class 
are much better adapted to this climate than the former. They seem 
to be better able to stand the cold weather; and, with no greater care, 
will take on more flesh than the common goat. 

"We have purchased a range of "28,000 acres of land which we have 
fenced, not so much to hold our goats as to prevent any of our neighbors' 
stock ranging on our property. 

"We herd in bands of 1,500 to 1,000 head and have drilled wells, 
at convenient distances (four to six miles apart), and have located at 
the wells corrals for working and 'kidding' our goats. 

"We have properly trained Collie dogs to assist our shepherds. They 
seem to be very useful in gathering up any stray goats, and in herding 
the flock. 

"We are greatly troubled with cayotes, and are looking for some kind 
of dog that will attack them, or keep them ofT our range. 



Ahitcs — Practical Breeders. zfji 

'■Regarding the acquiring of land in this country, the cost of it, etc., 
I can give you very little information outside of our own experience. 
We are pasturing on our own land. Of course, the Government land 
is free grazing, and we suppose it can be accjuired by the usual laws of the 
United States relating to that matter; probably at a cost of $1.50 an 
acre and upwards. 

''The cost of digging wells varies according to the situation. We 
have our own machine and employ drillers by the month, but previous 
to this we contracted the work at $1.50 per foot for the first hundred feet, 
and $2.00 per foot for the second hundred feet. We have some fine wells 
thirty-five (35) feet deep, and some two hundred and thirty-five (235) 
feet deep, depending on the situation; as in some places the ground is 
soft and easily drilled and in other places it seems to be composed of 
volcanic rock and is extremely hard. I think, however, it would be 
safe to say that wells one hundred (100) feet deep would average $1.50 
per foot." 

"I only pen my goats in winter. 

Mr. A. R. Tate, Wintersett, Iowa, says: 

"I feed rough hay, fodder,etc. 

"I, count the cost of keeping very little. 

"jNIy goats rtni with cattle and seem to get along well with them. 

"T breed for April kids. 

"I have one pair of twins in about eight does. Only a few colored 



kids 



Dr. T- R- Stancllev. Platteville, Iowa, savs 



"I have had no trouble to sell all my wether goats at any of our large 
markets. 

"I do not think it necessary to import new blood. Think we have as 
good as we could get anywhere. 

"The altitude of our country is 800 feet. 

'T use twenty-four-inch woven wire and two barbed wires above. 

'T only pen in cold, rainy weather. 

"I have had some kids killed by dogs, but never any old goats. 

"I feed goats about the same as sheep. The cost of keeping is about 
the same also. 

"I have never had a sick goat. 

"I use arsenic, one pound to sixteen gallons of water, for a dip to 
kill lice. 

"I think a few goats are an advantage to other stock in same 
pasture. 

"T breed December 1st. 

"I have had very few twins; about one per cent, off-colors. 

"T have had no loss by death, to speak of." 



^22 A NcTU Industry. 

Messrs. Morgan & Morgan, Clay, Iowa, say : 

"We have no trouble in selling mutton goats in Chicago. 

"The altitude of our country is 2,000 feet. 

"Our goat pasture is enclosed with a woven-wire base, twenty-six 
inches high, and two barbed wires on top. 

"They take good care to go into the shed when they want to,, 
without any driving. 

"We feed goats fodder, same as sheep. 

"We estimate cost of keeping, 50 cents per head. 

"We use a tobacco dip for lice. 

"We breed in November." 

Mr. I. J. Booth, Cresco, Iowa, says : 

"I feed clover and oats in winter. 

"Some of my goats have swelling of the throat, like bronchitis. 

"I use carbolic acid and water for a dip to kill lice. 

"I breed November '20tli." 

Mr. J. C. Morton, Indianola, Iowa, says : 

"I use woven wire (Kitselman's). 

"I feed in winter, hay and a little corn. 

"Cost of keeping is $1.00. 

"A few of mine have sore feet. 

"I breed in November." 

Hon. A. H. Edwards, Audubon, Iowa : 

"I have found Angoras do very well in this section. 

"I place all my wethers in Chicago market without any difficulty. 

"I enclose my goat pasture with five wires. 

"I only shed them in winter. 

"I feed grain and hay in winter. 

"I dip in 'Cooper Dip' for lice." 

Mr. S. S. McKibben, Earlham, Iowa, says : 

"My experience in breeding the Angora goat has been limited, 
but I have gone far enough to know that our country is admirably 
adapted to them, and that they will produce a larger amount of mohair 
of a smoother and better character, than in Texas, where I have 
received nearly all my goats from. 

"I have sold goats to possibly 500 different parties, in lots vary- 
ing from a single animal, up to as many as 200; and I have not yet 
heard of any dissatisfaction; but, upon the contrary, all are well pleased 
with them, and many of them intend to increase their holdings. 



A'ofcs — Practical Breeders. jjj 

"I breed in December so that I have my kids come at a time (Ma}'') 
when vegetation is well started, and it gives me ample time to shear 
in April before the kidding begins. 

"I feed shock corn to 'rough' my goats through the colder months 
(unless there are plenty of hazel nuts), and they have free run to a 
stack of oat straw, or some other kind of 'roughness.' 

"I think it is proper to let them go to water and salt whenever 
the}' are so inclined. 

"My experience has been that if the goats are brought into the 
State of Iowa during the spring or summer months, they will do better 
than if brought here in the winter. 

"My losses have been almost entirely confined to stock that I have 
imported from Texas in cold weather." 

Mr. J. R- Barnette, Globe, Arizona, says : 

"I find a local demand for mutton. 

"The altitude of our section of country is 4,000 feet. 

"I loose herd my goats. 

"Never pen them except to work with them. 

"Do not shed any. 

"I only have about 900 head. 1.500 can be run in one flock easily, 
and with greater profit of course. 

"I do not think there is much difference between sheep and goats 
as far as wild animals are concerned. I have seen a little cayote scare 
a big flock of goats nearly to death. 

"I usually breed October 1st. 

"I have but few twins in my better grades of goats. 

"Goats are kept here strictly for .mohair." 

Mr. J. F. Holder, Payson, Arizona, says : 

"I find sale for all my mutton goats at the local mining camps. 

"I run 3()0 to 1,000 in a flock. 

" I find wild animals troublesome at times. 

"I estimate cost of keeping, 45 cents per year. 

"I begin kidding, generally. May IsL. 

"I am in favor of importing new blood for stud flocks, and any 
others who want them, but if the average breeder would try to get the 
best bucks they can from our home stud flocks, instead of using any 
$10.00 buck, because he 'looks well,' and 'nearly' as good as a Harris 
and Baylor, or a Landrum buck, they would have much better blood 
than they now have, and the United States standard of mohair would 
go up rapidly. 



Ji.21^ A Nciv Industry. 

"I do not herd my goats, I just watch them a good distance off 
(loose herd them). Goats are not like sheep, and have to be driven to 
feed and back to the ranch when night comes. The goat wants his 
liberty and will stay fatter the year round, and produce more mohair, 
if they are turned loose, and permitted to go where they prefer. If 
you give them plenty of fine salt, or sheep salt, they will come home 
at night and lay in, and around, the corral, and leave next morning 
when they get ready. Follow along after them and see that nothing 
bothers them, but do not restrain them, and they will do better and 
produce you more mohair, and of a better ciuality. 

"I think black, or colored, kids are an indication of bad blood. I 
had several blue-backed kids last year, but as I am cutting out all the 
time, and breeding up at the same time, 1 have very few kids that 
were blue or red this year. 

"I select bucks on individual merit, and some on 'long breeding,' 
but mostly on the grade and quality of the buck's offspring. I don't give 
a snap for the general appearance of a buck if his kids are above the 
average standard. I buy a buck for his ability to get kids — one that 
will put mohair of a superior kind all over them." 

Mr. Ira Harper, Clifton, Arizona, says : 

"T find my section well suited to the Angora. 

"Our altitude is 7,000 feet. 

"I don't herd but let them run loose. I only have about 300. 

"My goats always run home when anything disturbs them on the 
range. 

"My flock has only cost me 'plenty of salt.' 

"I let my bucks run with my flock all year. I think November is 
the proper month to breed. 

"I have about twenty-five per cent, of kids. 

"I attribute my success to plenty of salt. 

"I have had wethers to come back home after they had been driven 
ten miles away, which is something a sheep has not sense enough 
to do." 

Wm. Horn, Camp Verde, Arizona : 

"I butcher ni}' own goats (wethers) and sell them at home. 
"I think this section is a little too cold. 
"I herd my goats with dogs. 
"I have about 400 head. 

"I find them almost the same as sheep, as far as wild animals are 
concerned. 

"I feed alfalfa hay in winter. 

"My expense is about 40 cents per year per head. 



Xofcs — Practical Breeders. ^j>3 

"Have had some 'catarrh.' 

"I kid in April, general!}'. 

"About five per cent, off-colored kids." 

Mr. C. D. Tuthill, TuthiU. [Minn., says : 

"I am convinced that the Angora goat is one of the most profit- 
able animals we can propagate. 

"I have demonstrated to my entire satisfaction that I can produce 
meat for my family and hired hands cheaper from goats than from 
any other class of live stock, and I believe it to be the most healthful, 
as well as tempting to the appetite. 

"Since I have been keeping goats, and eating their rich, juicy 
meat, I have a far greater regard for the good sense of Rebecca when 
old Isaac was blind and wanted a savory dish. She did not select a 
boned turkey, or stewed oysters, but a tender young kid. And the milk 
of the goat is the healthiest known, and many invalids could be 
nursed back to health; and the lives of many sickly children saved 
by simply using goat's milk. 

"I had one grade Angora nanny (doe) that would give me three 
quarts per daj'. This same doe not onh^ brought forth, but raised ten, kids 
in five years. 

'"I have pastured goats with horses, with sheep and hogs, and have 
never had anything but the best results. I do not believe there is a case 
on record where the goat has crossed with the sheep. 

"I use our mutton wethers at home. 

"J have found this section most admirably adapted to raising the 
Angora. 

"I fence with seven barbed wires, posts ten feet apart. 

"I only have about 100 head. 

"I feed wild hay and corn fodder in winter. 

"I begin breeding May 1st. 

'"Occasionally an off-colored kid. 

"i\Iy goats cost me less than $1.00 per head per year. 

"Loss from death is little or nothing." 

Air. A. G. Wilcox, Hugo, Minn, says : 

"We use our muton goats at home. 
"I fence with woven wire. 
"I only shed them in bad weather. 
"My flock consists of seventy-five. 

"I find my older goats more capable of resisting dogs, but the kids 
about the same as sheep. 

"I feed hay, corn fodder and oats in winter. 

"I estimate $1.00 per head the expense of keeping. 



426 A Nezv Industry. 

"I use 'Cooper's Dip' for dipping lo kill lice. 

"I begin breeding in December. 

"About five per cent, twins. 

"Occasionally a reddish or yellow kid. 

"Have had no losses from death. 

"When I got goats first, we had fences that were all right for 
sheep and pigs, but were no restraint to goats. They would go 
through anything we had, and were a great nuisance. In the spring 
I built a woven-wire fence (Lamb's) of the Page type, and that 
held them. No trouble since." 

Mr. E. Graves, Princeton, Minn., says : 

"I purchased my first goats from Mr. C. D. Tuthill. 
"I have found this section very well suited to raising goats. 
"I feed only good hay in winter. 
"Have never known of any disease among them.' 
"I begin breeding in January. 

"I would not farm without goats. I find that my jheep keep much 
healthier since I have had goats." 

Mr. A. Lippinctitt, Sheridan, Mo., says : 

"I use woven wire for fencing. 

"I feed straw and corn fodder. 

"Estimate cost of keeping, 50 cents per head per year. 

"Begin breeding November 1st. 

"Have no off-colored kids. 

"Have had no deaths or disease." 

Mr. L. B. Dougherty, Liberty, Mo., says: 

"I only had fifty head of nannies. Kept them five years. Liked 
1 hem, very well. Kept no account of shearing or other statistics. Made 
nothing out of the venture, but could with proper care make them very 
profitable. Don't know any one in our covmtry who owns goats." 

Mr. W. J. Seever, St. Louis, Mo., Says : 

"The altitude of the section where I have goats is 900 feet. 

"I fence with seven barb wire. 

"Only have to shed in bad weather. 

"I have found goats will invariably face a dog, and will generally 
intimidate the brute with his boldness. 

"They earn more than they cost to keep. 

"Have never heard of any disease. 

"I regard goats as being a great advantage to other stock in the 
same pasture. 



Notes — Practical Bra dcrs. 



4-V 



"Referring to mutton qualities, I frequently visit our stock yards- 
and have noticed that fat Angora goats are snapped up very fast by the 
packers, at prices higher than I care to pay for breeding purposes. I 
have seen fat wethers bring prices equal to sheep, and a few thin does. 
made but little difference in the sale." 

Mr. J. Glome Miles, Silver Bend, Mont., says : 

"I have found Montana a fine goat country. 

"I have only about 350 head, which I pen every night, in winter and- 
spring. 

"I find them very little trouble, and only feed them occjsionly in 
winter with wild hay. 

"They are free from all diseases. 

"I dip them, when necessary, for lice, with lime and sulphur. 

"I begin breeding December 10th." 

Mr. S. S. Brannin, Marysville, Mont., says : 

"The altitude of our country is 5,000 feet, and is very finely suited, 
to raising goats. 

"I herd my goats some, and let them run loose as well, at 
times. 

'T pen in the winter and shed them too. 

"I only have about 700. 

"I breed November 1st. 

"About four-fifths of my does have twins. 

"No off-colored. 

"My losses seldom exceed two or three per cent, 

Mr. J. S. Harris, Oakley, Idaho, says : 

"I do not sell any wethers. 

"Our country, I think, is too cold and blustery to raise goats to the 
best advantage. The cost is too great compared with milder climates, 
and percentage of increase much less. 

"I herd my goats and feed alfalfa hay in the winter months. 

"I dip with Zenoleum, which I think is very good. 

"I begin breeding November loth. 

"The increase here is about seventy-five per cent. 

"Death rate is seldom over five per cent. 

"I rarely have twin kids, and very seldom any off-colored. 

"If we are to import any new blood, I prefer that they should come 
from Turke}'." 

Dr. Tuttle, Tacoma, Wash., says : 

"I have not found this section very well adapted to raising goats. 
"I allow my goats to run loose, and have my bucks with them the 
year round. 



428 A New Industry. 

"I keep them in pasture in straight rail fence. 

"I only pen them in winter, and shed them in bad weather. 

"I feed only when weather is bad in the winter. Mostly hay, and oat 
straw. 

"The cost of keeping hardly exceeds "25 cents per head. 
- "I have had the scours attack some of my old does. 

"I do not dip for lice. 

"I think goats are objectionable with milch cows, but not with 
horses. 

■'My kids begin to come about March 1st." 

Name omitted, Biicoda, Wash., says : 

"I find ready sale for my muttons to home butchers. 

"The altitude here is 140 feet. 

"We make our pasture fence out of lails and posts. 

"We only pen during rainy season. 

"We have never been bothered with dogs or wolves. 

"We do not have to feed much in winter. 

"Aside from pasture, 15 cents per head will cover expenses. 

"Have never dipped for lice, but intend to begin doing so. 

"My cows and horses feed with them all right. 

"I breed middle of October. 

"After they are two years old, two-thirds of 'them have twins. 

"Have no off-colored kids. 

"Have only lost six old goats in eight years." 

Mr. Chris Niehson, Burhngton, Wyo., says : 

"I find sale for wethers among my neighbors. 

"We run 1,5(J0 in a flock, but they will do better in smaller 
flocks. 

"The old ones are less liable to destruction from wild animals than 
the kids. 

"I estimate 50 cents per year expense of keeping. 

"I have dipped with lime and sulphur for lice , but it is not good. 

"I breed here middle of December. 

"Have a good many twins, but very few off-colored. 

"My goats have been sent to Utah, where I formerly ranched 
htem, but I shall remain here." 

Mr. Jos. R. HambUn, Kaiiab, Utah, says : 

"I have very poor sale for wethers. 

"My place is excellent for goat raising. Altitude 4000 feet. 

"I herd my goats on account of wild animals. 

"I run 1,600 to 2,000 head in a flock. 



Notes — Practical Breeders. . ^2Q 

"I estimate cost, 30 cents per head per year. 

"We begin kidding May 1st. 

"Nearly all our yearlings have twins, but very few off-colors. 

"From my experience with the Angora, I have found them to be 
very intelligent and interesting animals. While they are very persistent 
and contrary, it is very easy to control and handle them. They are 
very sensitive to wet, cold weather, yet they can endure a great deal. 

"As to drouth, scarcity of water and heat, I believe the goat is 
the hardiest of all animals. The female is a very good mother, and 
most excellent multiplier, seldom having less than two; and, although 
a good suckler, will not care for more than one of them, unless proper 
care is taken. The kid is very stupid when young, and cannot stand 
wet, cold weather. As it grows, however, it adapts itself to the climate 
and becomes ciuite playful. They are very nice, but troublesome, pets. 
The coyote loves to catch them; the wild cat is even more fond of 
them, and these two animals cause much loss in young kids unless great 
care is taken. 

"I have found the most practical way of kidding is to stake or pen 
each kid, or pair of kids, separately, for at least three weeks. If you 
pen, have it just about large enough for the mothers and kids, leaving a 
low place for the mother to jump in, or cut, and too high for the kid to 
jump out. If you stake the kids you should attach a string to the left, or 
right, fore foot (string about two feet long), and tie fast to a peg 
driven down close to the surface of the ground. If you stake twins, the 
one by the right, and the other by the left fore leg. and stake them to 
the same pin. If there should be more than two, tie them all so that they 
may have free play, and yet be together. 

"The old scientific theory of handling kids with gloved hands is 
very absurd, for we have learned by experience that you may carry a 
kid a long distance, and the main thing is to have the mother (who 
will naturally follow the kid when you pick it up to carry it away) to 
smell of the kid, to be sure it is her own, and you will have no more 
trouble with her." 

^Ir. R. C. Johnston, Lawrence, Kan., says : 

"I have found our section of country very well adapted to raising 
the Angora. 

"The altitude is 1,000 feet above sea level. 

"I fence with barbed wire, seven strands, five inches apart from 
the ground for four wires; and seven mches, nine inches, and twelve 
inches, for the remaining three strands: posts ten feet apart, and stays 
every three feet. This makes a goat proof as well as a good stock fence 
generally. 

"I pasture my goats always, and pen them every night. 



430 A Nezv Industry. 

'"I ha\e never had any trouble from either dogs or wolves. I put 
■'bells on quite a number. 

"I feed corn fodder, hay and straw in winter. 

"I estimate cost of keeping, 35 cents to 45 cents per head per 
ryear. 

■'Have never had any disease of any kind. 

"I have practiced dipping for lice, with arsenic. 

"I have my kids to come in April." 

Mr. J. K. Young, Woodward, Ok., says : 

"I market my mutton goats in Kansas City. 

"The altitude of our country is 3,000 feet. 

"I herd my goats on bunch grass, and scrub oak brush. 

"I only have to shed in spring and bad weather. 

"I run flocks of 1,000 to 1,500. 

"I feed only in severe storms, dry hay. 

"I estimate cost of keep, 25 cents. 

"I begin breeding December 1st. 

"About twenty-five per cent, twins. No ofif-colors." 

Mr. O. D. Hill, Kendalia, West Va., says : 

"The altitude of our country is 1.500 feet, and I have found it to be 
very well adapted to the Angora. 

"My goats run loose, and I. seldom pen them. 

"In winter I occasionly feed some corn, but only in bad weather. 

"I estimate cost of keeping, 50 cents per year or less. 

"Have never had any sickness. 

"I breed twice a year. Cannot say what the regular increase will 
be. but would estimate on 150 per cent., judging from the breeding 
of my own goats. 

"My kids are all pure white." 

Mr. Jas. A. Bill, * Bill Hill P. O., Conn., says : 

"I have found our state equally as well adapted to the Angora goat 
- as it is to sheep. 

"I only herd in winter, and pasture in summer. 
"I only pen in winter. 

"I have about seventy-five head. Tliey are much more capable of 
defending themselves from dogs than sheep are. 



*Since the above report was made, Mr. Jas. A. Bill has died, 
and his son, Mr. Kansas N. Bill, writes me under date of April 16th, 
that the industry is rapidly gaining in Connecticut, and that he has 
sold every thing they had except twelve head of does. 



A'ofcs — Practical Breeders. ^jz 

"I feed in winter hay and grain, the same as sheep. 

"The cost of keeping is about the same. 

"Have never known any disease. 

"I practice dipping for Hce and use a carboHc dip. 

"They are in no way objectionable to other kinds of stock. 

"I breed early in May, and the increase is about on a par with that 
in sheep. 

"I have a good many twins, but no colored kids. 

"The percentage of loss is little or nothing, and ought to be none 
at all." 

Col. J. Wash. Watts, Montville, S. C, says: 

"I commenced breeding the Angora goat soon after they were 
imported into this country in 1849. I found them to be well adapted 
to this climate. 

"I usually kept them in pastures, but would sometimes herd them. 

"Our fencing was made of rail. I think wire is better. 

"I always penned them at night, and housed them in bad weather. 

"I never kept over 200 at one time. 

"I learned that the dog would not molest the goat near as much as 
they do sheep. An old goat will run after a dog. 

"I always fed cotton seed in winter. 

"My estimate of the cost of keeping them was 50 cents per head 
per year. 

"They have never had any disease that I know of, but I heard of 
some having foot rot, and a few of them mange. 

"I always used tobacco for dipping to remove lice. 

"I sheared in April, and if left later, they would shed. 

Would breed in August or September. 

"Eighty to ninety per cent, was considered an average increase. 

"The pure bred has twins very rarely, and no off-colored kids. 

"Loss from death was not more than two per cent." 

Mr. Lafayette Holt, Burlington, N. C, says: 

"I find ready sale for my surplus stock at home, where they are 
slaughtered for mutton. 

"The altitude of our country is 1,800 feet. 

"My pasture fence is made from rails and wire. 

"I do not shed my goats except in bad weather. , 

"Only keep a small number. 

"I usually feed in winter, hay , fodder, etc. 

"Have been bothered some with staggers. 

"I do not dip for lice. 

"I breed in September. ' 



^^2 A Nczc Iiidiisfry. 

"An Angora buck will keep off dogs from a flock of sheep. 

"I believe any one who has a sickly child, and will put vip with the 
odor from a buck goat, can make the child well and strong, by letting him 
use him as a plaything, hauling a little wagon, etc." 

Dr. M. Barrett, Maidens, Va., says : 

"I have been raising the Angora for the past twenty years, and find 
them strong, hearty and prolific. 

"Have never lost any from disease, and I think they are just the 
meat we ought to raise. 

"They are but very little trouble an J no expense, as they get their 
own living if let loose on a farm. 

"They frequently kid twice in a year. 

"I have never made use of their hair, except for padding, as it is 
a little coarse. 

"They grow very large and usually get their growth at three 
years old. 

"I keep them chiefiy for home consumption, though I sell occasionly 
at $2.00 for mutton. I think they will soon take the place of sheep for 
mutton. My kids, at six months, dress thirty-live to forty-live pounds, 
giving a nice lot of tallow, superior to mutton, as it keeps in warmest ' 
weather. 

"The skins are pretty and useful for making robes and rugs. I 
value goats more than sheep. 

"I have several goats now. seventeen years old, still fat and hearty." 





cn 

a 

a 
a 

s 

Q 

a 


Kev. D. S. Babb, Sonora. 
R. S Wyatt, Sonora. 
John Brown, Sonora. 
H W. Galbraith, Montell 
W. M. Landrum, Laguna. 
Jeff Pepper, hock Springs. 
Henry Fink, Leon Springs. 
J. M. Arnold, Montell 
C Dissler, Juno 
Jas. Pauers(>n. Junction City. 
Doughter & Luitrell, Lipan. 
VV. W Haupt, Kyle. 
Geo W. Baylor. Montell. 
B. L Crouch. Pearsall. 
D. G. Avery, Marathon. 
J. v\'. Garrett, Mountain Home. 
R. H. Lowry, Camp San Saba. 
H. B. Marshall. Austin. 
J. D. Hunter, Junction City. 
Tom S. Evans. Exile 
H. T. Fuchs, Tiger Mill. 
W. R. McKee. Junction City 


Thos. H. Tongue, Hillsboro. 
Geo. A. Houcl^, Eugene. 
Scott Obye, N. Yamhill 
D. A. Walker, Carlton. 
O. Dowell, Florence. 
A. Blackburn, N Yamhill. 
J. M. Hassler Larwood. 
J H. Hawley, Monmouth. 
Frank H Rogers, Gardiner. 
Oscar Tom, A ngora 
Mr. Masters, Cleveland. 
Jas McDonald, Morrison. 


a bsi 
II 


A. R. Tate, Winuersett. 
J. K. Standley, Platteville. 
Morgan & Morgan, Clay. 
I. J. Booth, Cresco. 
J. C. Morton, Indianola. 
A. H. Edwards, Audubon. 
S. S. McKibben, Earlham. 


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If-Se A New Industry. 

The following letter from Mr. F. Garst, who was, for many 
years, a prominent breeder of Angora goats in New Mexico, 
will be of interest : 

"Cold Water: Kansas, May r2th, 1900. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black. Fort McKavett. Texas: 

"Dear vSir: — I have yours in regard to goats. - I have been away 
for some time this spring, and this is the first chance I have had to write, 
I will not undertake to answer your questions, but will make you a 
simple statement of what I did with a bunch of 500 goats in twelve 
years. 

"In 1882, I bought 500 head of nannie goats of C. P. Bailey, of San 
Jose, Cal., and they were from seven-eights to thirty-one-thirty-seconds 
grade. I bought in February, and moved them to New Mexico in the 
fall. I took them to the Sacramento Mountains, in Lincoln County 
(now Otero County). 

"After running them twelve years, I had sold over $20,000.00 worth 
of stufl' from them (amongst the sales were 1,800 head of goats), and 
at the end of twelve years. I had 6,000 head of goats left. I paid Bailey 
$6.00 a head for the goats, and after running them a year, I had 700 
head, and they stood me at about $9.00 per head. I was under very 
great expense in moving and getting located. My thoroughbreds, both 
bucks and nannies, cost $100.00 per head; I don't recollect just how 
many I bought. 

"Goats will not jump over a fence, if they can jump on top of it, then 
they will go over. They are the best grubbers I know of, as they furnish 
themselves and an income besides. 

"My goats were a secondary consideration with me, as I was run- 
ning a cattle ranch on the same range with them, and would at times have 
to be away from home, so could not give them the attention I would have 
liked to. 

"Maxwell, of "Maxwell Land-Grant Farm," I think, took the first 
Angora goats into New Mexico, as far as I know. This must have 
been at least ten years or more before I went there. There must have 
been about seventy head of them. Don't know what became of them. 

"A man by the name of Casas brought a good bunch from near 
San Jose, Cal., and located them on the Rio Grande, below Las Cruces. 
These came several years before mine. He did not do much good with 
them, and finally died, and Col. Rymerson, of Las Cruces, got them, 
and moved them to the Organ Mountains, where they did better. Since 
Rymerson's death, I don't know what became of tlrem. 

"I can't tell you anything about goats in this State (Kansas), as I 
never have looked it up. My experience has been principally in New 
Mexico. "Yours, 

"FRANK GARST." 



N'otcs — Practical Breeders. _^^j 

The following- letter from Mr. W. G. Hughes, of Hastmgs, 
Texas, who has been a ver}' successful breeder of iVngoras for 
a number of years, will be instructive : 

'•Hastings, Kendall Co., Texas, July 15, 1899. 
"Col. Wni. L. Black. 

"Dear Sir — In answer to your request for some notes on my system 
ni handling Angora goats. I would like as a preface to draw attention to 
the fact, that results, and the methods by Avhich individuals arrive at them, 
•■'.re \-aluable only as abstract guides to others who intend to follow the 
same line of business; and, their problem if they are to profit by such 
experiences, is, to apply the ideas which they thus derive to their own 
conditions and surroundings. 

To begin with: I bed my goats as much as posible on a hill-side, 
having such a slope that a good hard rain effectually washes away the 
manure. I believe that this keeps the lice from bothering them to any 
noticeable extent, as lice seem to increase on them when they are corralled 
every night in dirty pens. I think that gcats should have access to water 
at least once a day and that they should have salt where they can get it; 
rock salt at the bedding ground is a convenient form in which to furnish 
it. 

"In the fall I put the billies with the nannies on October 15th, using 
two or three billies to one hundred nannies. I do not consider it neces- 
sary or judicious to leave them in more than five weeks, as this is suf- 
ficient to practically serve the whole flock, the first kids coming about 
March 1.3th and the last about April l&th. Any scattering ones that 
would come after them by continuing breeding, are usually more trouble 
than they are worth, as by stopping on April 18th, the whole nanny flock; 
is ready to move to a different range about the middle of May, without 
any impediment of kids that are too young to go all day with the others, 
and moving to a new range is of great assistance to the goats, as during 
kidding they have necessarily been herded somewhat closely around the 
kidding camp. 

"At the home pens I have a shed in the shape of a right angle with the 
point to the north; the shed is 300 feet long and twelve feet deep, and has 
a hay rack along the back, inside. It is very useful during a bad spell 
of weather. 

"I leave the flock at one of the camps all winter, only returning for 
bad weather and for handling them during shearing in spring and fall, 
and for kidding in the spring. 

"In this latitude it is safe to commence shearing the first suitable 
day after March 1st provided you have shelter for the goats in case o' 
cold, wet weather, soon after shearing. I generally begin the first Mon- 
daj' after ]\Iarcli 1st and figure on getting through during the week and 



Jf38 A Nezv Industry. 

before r2th or 14th, by which time the first kids may be expected; and from 
the commencement of the spring shearing until the flock moves to a 
new range about May 15th, it is kept at the home pens where the shed is. 
A good many kids are born during the night, but most are born between 
about 11 a. m. and "2 p. m., and I find that by getting the flock out in 
good time in the morning and having it return to the pen about 11 o'clock 
or soon after, that the bulk of the kids will be born after the flock re- 
turns at that time, and before it goes out again at 2 p. m. I think this 
is because getting a belly full of food during the morning hastens the 
process of kidding. It is needless to say that having the kids born in 
the pen is much more convenient than having to 'pack' them back from 
the range and except, for a few days, when the busiest part of the kidding 
is in progress, there will not be born during the few hours of the after- 
noon feeding, more than the herder with an extra hand can conveniently 
bring back to the pen. I do not stake out my kids, as I think it tends 
to stunt their growth and it is liable to result in loss of many kids dur- 
ing the bad weather. 

"The great secret in raising kids is to give the nanny sufficient oppor- 
tunity' to thoroughly know her own kid, without being confused and 
rattled by other kids until she gets 'mixed up' on the question of identity. 
To do this it is necessary to let her be undisturbed with her own kid for 
twenty-four hours before leaving it, eitner in a separate small pen, or 
a large pen with others in her condition, where there is a minimum of 
disturbing influences; while thus kept in, she should have access to 
water and a little hay. After she knows- her kid pretty well, she can go 
out with the flock, but on return should be put in a pen with not over 
twenty-five other nannies and their kids until the kids are a week or ten 
days old, when, except in exceptional cases, she will know her own kid 
among one hundred or so. 

"I divide them up every evening by lunning all the nannies that have 
kids through a narrow chute with four cut gates at the middle of the 
chute, two on each side. Each gate leads into a separate pen, and the 
chute terminates in a large pen. 

"I know the pen into which to cut the goats, as these have a dif- 
ferent color for each pen painted on the base of the horns. When a 
pen is filled up and six to ten days old, it is turned into the large pen at 
the end of the chute, the nannies marked on the nose to designate the 
change, and new arrivals begin to fill up the small pen that is thus clear- 
ed. During the summer there is but little to watch for except wolves, 
and worms in sores, until the fall shearing, which should be done early 
enough to allow the hair on the goats to grow again sufficiently to serve 
as a protection by the time cold weather may be expected. 

"I generally shear late in September, as if shorn earlier there is more 
danger from worms in shear cuts, and if shorn later, it tends to disturb 



Ahics — Practical Breeders. 



439 



the general equality of the length of staple in the clips, which should be 
as long as possible to obtain best results, but I do not consider it advis- 
able to add to the length of one clip by taking it from another unless for 
some other reason. Shearing towards the end of September gets it well 
out of the way and enables one to have pretty close track of such doctor- 
ing as is necessitated by shear cuts, before October 15, when the billies 
are put in, and which was the season with which these suggestions 
commenced. 

The following- letter from Mr. J. C. P. McLendon, of Texas 
whose experience in breeding the Angora goat was of such an 
interesting nature, I am sure it will be read by many of the pres- 
ent breeders with a great deal of profit : 

'^Dripping Springs, Hays Co., Texas, Sept. 21, 1899. 
"Mr. Wm. L. Black, Ft. McKavett, Texas. 

"Dear Sir — I am in receipt of your circular letter, also of one handed 
to me by A. L. Davis, Jr., of this place. I am not now in the Angora 
goat business. In 1876, I came in possession of fifty head of Mexican 
ewes. I culled out twenty-four head of young, white, short-haired, ewes, 
and one large, long-haired, white one. I then sent to Col. Peters of Geor- 
gia, for a pair of pure Angora kids, buck and ewe. Bred the buck, by 
line, to these, using a system of ear-marks to distinguish the different 
grades. Later, I sent to Col. Scott of Kentucky, for one buck and -four 
ewes. Gave Peters $50 per head and Scott $40 per head. The buck 
and one ewe from Scott were the best and only pure, perhaps, of the seven 
head I bought. I make this statement from looks, and the test of breed- 
ing. I do not intend censure to either Peters or Scott. They were both 
honest and conscientious breeders. I found it impossible to breed out 
entirely the long, coarse hair in the progeny of the long-haired ewe 
above referred to. I sold all of these, with cullings of lower grades, 
culling and selling every year. 

"The largest clip from a single pure buck obtained was eight and a 
half pounds: from a single ewe five and a half pounds; from grades eight 
pounds: from wethers four pounds; from ewes down to two and four 
pounds. Three-quarter grades would frequently shear two pounds for 
ewes, four pounds for wethers from one to three years old. After three 
years for breeding ewes and four for wethers and bucks, the clips would 
begin to decrease in weight. 

"The highest grades I reached was the eighth cross, 255-256. After 
the fourth cross, the grades, in appearance compared favorably in length 
and weight of fleece with the pure-bred. The mohair on the grades, 
even on half-breeds from smooth short-haired ewes, except in length, 
was equal in lustre and fineness, to the pure. 



JfJj.0 A New Industry. 

"Most of the grades from the Peters buck shed their mohair, btr. 
from the Scott buck retained it after shearing, growing on like the woo' 
on sheep. I had no disease among my goats except occasionally a case 
of lung worms. Was troubled a good deal with goat lice. I believe dip- 
ping should be practiced after shearing, and a change of range and bed- 
ding ground every eight or ten weeks. I tried shearing one a year, and, 
then twice, in October and November, according to weather, and again in 
spring. The two shearings gave better results. Used good shelter in 
wet weather; fed hay, straw, and some cotton seed when needed. No 
stock can compare with the goat to clean up brushy and weedy land. 
They eat very little grass if they can get weeds and brush. If not over- 
stocked, they make the range better for cattle, horses and sheep. 

"I occasionally had a slight tinge of red from my crosses from the 
Peters buck, in both graded and pure nannies. From my observation 
in breeding I believe we have the foundation for improvement equal to 
anything we are likely to import, unless it be from the Cape and I would 
advise all breeders to test any importations before breeding to a selected 
flock that had been brought up to high standard by careful breeding. 
Angoras, with me, would breed only once a year, like deer, and seldom 
brought but one kid. To improve a flock, one kid is enough. I sold 
my goats six years ago. Cause — wolves and my inability to get careful 
and trustworthy herders. 

"T have no records by me, but above gives you practically my ex- 
perience in goat raising. Will add that to my taste, no better meat was 
ever placed on table than a roast from a fat two or three year-old Angora 
wether. I do not like the meat of the common goat. 

Respectfully. 

"I. C. P. M'LENDON." 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

IS IT ADVISABLE TO STAHT A REGISTER FOR ANGORA GOATS? 

This question is by no means a new one. It has been 
asked over and over again- and was seriously agitated upwards 
of twenty years ago. Whenever it has been brought up, the 
question has always been advanced : "What have we got to 
register?" and after some discussion about the merits of certain 
flocks of goats, the matter would be dropped. There can be 
no doubt about our having many Angora goats in every way 
worthy of being registered, but hardly any two breeders have 
exactly the same type of animal, and this seems to have been 
the difficulty in the past. Each breeder appears to have had 
his own idea, as to a perfect Angora, and the result has been 
that no agreement could ever be reached as to what points 
should be used for a standard. 

In Turkey they know very little, and care much less, for 
such a system ; and, the breeders in South Africa, seem to have 
had very much the same trouble as we have had. 

We have some flocks that were started from the original 
"Davis," or "Peters," stock, which have become individualized 
as the "Scott," the "Haupt." the "Landrum," and the "Divine" 
goats. 

Then we have the "F*arish" goats which originated from 
pure blooded stock from a direct importation from Turkey ; 
and, later, we have the "Harris" goats, which were started 
from an importation made by Mr. Harris himself, selected by 
him in person, who has kept them scrupulously free from any 
foreign mixture ever since they landed in this country. 

The Conklin Bros., of California, claim to have started 
;i flock from pure-bred goats, imported by INIr. Eutichedes in 



^^^ A Nczv Iiidiisfry. 

1870 ; and, there are doubtless other breeders who have pure- 
bred goats that they can trace to one, or other, of the importa- 
tions that have been made into the United States. 

There is no reason why a register should not be established 
for such animals as I have referred ,to but it would seem to be 
a difficult matter to embrace all of them under one common 
register unless they all have the same characteristices, which is 
doubtful. 

We can probably learn much upon this subject from our 
neighbors in the sheep industry, who have passed through., 
practically, the same experience that we are just entering. 

The sheep industry was started about the beginning of the 
present century (1808) by Mr. Humphreys, our, then. Minister 
to Spain, who brought home with him some two hundred head 
of Spanish Merinos, resulting in the establishment of the world- 
famous breed of "American Merinos ;" and, from which, a 
number of sub-breeds have sprung, such as the "Dickinson" 
Merino, started by Mr. Wm. R. Dickinson, of Stubenville, O. ; 
the "Black Top" Spanish Merino, started by Mr. Wm. Berry, 
of Washington, Pa.; and the "Improved Black Top" Merino. 
all of which differ in some particular points, yet, date their origin 
from the original "Humphrey" sheep. 

Mr. Wm. Jarvis, of Vermont, imported a lot into his 
State, from which the celebrated "Vermont" Merino originated; 
together with several other well known breeds such as the 
"Standard Delaine," the "National Delaine," the "Improved 
Delaine," and many others which it is unnecessary to mention. 

The sheep referred to differ verv slightly from one another, 
yet the breeders of each are jealous of the peculiar points they 
possess, and maintain a distinct and separate association to make 
proper rules and regulations to govern any matters of difiference 
that may arise from time to time, together with a register 
through which every member of the association can record 
his individual sheep. 

The "Davis, "or"Peters ;" the "Chenery," "Diehl & Brown," 
"Eutichedes," and "Harris" importations of Angora goats oc- 
cupy the same relative position in the goat industry, as the 



Register for Angora Goafs. ^^-9 

"Humphrey" and the "Jarvis" importations do to sheep; and 
the "Scott," "Haupt," Landrum" and "Parish" goats the same 
as the "Dickson" Merino, the "Black Top" Merino, and other 
individual breeds of sheep that have sprang out of one or other 
of the original importations. 

The "Hornless" type, mentioned by Mr. S. S. McKibben, 
of Earlham, Iowa, is very much on a par with the "Dickinson" 
Merino, which is a hornless breed of sheep, and it is to be hoped 
the breeders of this type of goats will begin at once and estab- 
lish an association of "Hornless," or '.'Polled Angora Goats," 
through which they may be able to record their increase. 

The breeders of the "Non-Shedding" variety referred to 
by Mr. J. C. P. McLendon, of Texas, certainly ought to try and 
preserve it through a special register, as well as any other val- 
ua1)le types of Angora goats which may originate in the 
future. 

]\Iany breeders believe it is necessary to make a new im- 
portation from Asia Minor before we can begin an American 
register, because such a long time has elapsed since any of our 
importations were made. I'his would seem to be wholly un- 
necessary, although I would be glad to see another importa- 
tion made, provided we can improve on what we already have. 
But if we are to be governed by the written testimony of a num- 
ber of reliable Turkish authorities, we would not be able to 
find any purer-bred stock in Asia Minor — if indeed as pure — as 
we now have in our own country. 

I am aware of the fact that the very essence of a register 
of live stock is to enable a purchaser to trace the lineage of an 
animal through flocks of reliable breeders, to the original 
importation ; and this would be difficult, if not mpossible, to 
do with most of our present stock of goats. Are we then to be 
forever barred from establishing a register for the fine goats 
we now have, simply because the breeders have been careless 
about starting a register ? 

The principle is, without doubt, a correct one, provided the 
foreign stock has maintained a condition of purity ; but. in the 
present case, it seems to me it would be more in keeping with 



Ji-I^lf. A New Industry. 

common sense if the Turks were to start a register based upon 
American goats, than for the Americans to begin a register 
from goats imported from Asia Minor. 

And, with reference to South Africa, Mr. Schreiner says : 

"It is perhaps, impossible to say exactly how many Angora goats 
have been imported, but it is safe to say, in all, they number over 3000. 
They have come from numerous districts in Asia Minor, and are represen- 
tative of the general run of Turkish goats. There has been no uniformity 
among the goats imported; they can not be said to be representative 
of any definite type, or types. Each a.nimal stands solely on its own in- 
dividual merits, and not as the representative of any type. In the future 
there may be certain fixed varieties among Angora goats, as there are to- 
day among Merino sheep, but, at present, no such varieties exist. Some 
very superior animals have been imported; but, Mr. Binns says, the very 
best have never left Turkey. A great many mongrels have also been im- 
ported, and Angoras are, today, as mixed at the Cape (except the best 
stud flocks) as they are in Turkey. However, notwithstanding the fact 
that many thoroughly bad animals have been imported, so inferior as 
certainly to injure rather than improve even the average Cape flocks; 
yet, owing to the suitability of the Cape climate and pasture to the Angora 
goat, and particularly to the superior intelligence of the Cape breeders 
and their adoption of more modern, and scientific, methods of breeding, 
the ciuality of the best stud flocks has been raised to so high a standard 
of excellence that Turkey would probably profit by obtaining new blood 
from the Cape, for use in its very best flocks. On the other hand, con- 
sidering the inferior type of farmers engaged in the industry in Turkey 
and the primitive and unscientific methods of breedng in vogue there, 
further importations to the Cape seem wholly inadvisable, unless under 
the auspices of the Angora Goat Breeders' Association, and unless twc 
of the very best judges in the Colony, go to Turkey to select the goats. 
Failing this, the Cape industry will best advance without assistance from 
Turkey. It but remains for the Cape farmer to have a clear conception 
of what kind of fleece he desires his goats to produce, and then to work 
unswervingly towards the realization of that conception. The breed 
here is in a most plastic state yet, but the leading breeders are gradually 
and suiely, fixing it, and, what is more hopeful, gradually, bringing their 
goats towards uniformity to one type." (See Schreiner, p. 216-218.) 

It is to be hoped there will be found some way out of the 
difficulty, for it would certainly be very proper to have registers 
for all goats that have valuable characteristics, and have been 
bred to points a sufficient length of time to thoroughly fix 
the same. 



Register for Angora Goafs. JfJ^o 

Bearing upon the question of importing goats from 
Turkey, the following letter from the Hon. H. S. Jewett, United 
States Consul at Siras, Turkey, to Hon. Thos. H. Tongue, 
member of Congress from Oregon, who is personally interested 
in Angora goats, and has taken a deep interest in the industry, 
will be interesting. 

The letter is taken from the "Texas Stockman and Farmer,'' 
of San Antonio, Texas and reads as follows : 

ANGORA GOATS. 

"H. S. Jewett, United States Consul at Siras, Turkey, in a recent let- 
ter to Hon. Thos. H. Tongue, member of the House of Representatives. 
Washington, D. C, anent the Angora goat industry, says: 'In further 
answer to your inquiries in regard to Angora goats for importation to 
the United States, I send you the following information obtained from 
the British Consul at Angora: The average price of a picked Angora he- 
goat of the best class is $17.66, and for a she-goat of the same character 
$6.60. The best age for a he-goat is from two and one-half to three and 
one-half years old, and the expression 'picked goat' means a goat ex- 
clusively chosen from that age. The average price of the best class of he- 
goats without selection form age is about $15.40. In some cases, of 
course, a particularly fine he-goat might go as far r.s $"22 or $26.40, or the 
proprietor might refuse to sell him at any price. 

"The average annual yield of the best picked he-goat is nine and one- 
half pounds, and of the same class of she-goats five and one-half pounds. 
The average yield of he-goats of the second class is about five and one- 
half pounds and of the third class about four pounds. The best class 
of mohair is not to be found at Angora itself, but at Ghereda and Kibris 
in the district of Boli, province of Castamouii, and it is in that district 
that the most recent purchases for export have been made. The prices 
above quoted are for the goat as purchased on the spot and do not in- 
clude commission, export and transportation charges. A certificate o£ 
health is necessary or desirable for each goat before it is purchased. It 
would be entirely useless to purchase Angora goats from this country 
unless an imperial permit for exportation had been previously obtained 
at Constantinople. I think that perhaps such a permit could be obtained 
more easily and with less expense by some private native person than by 
our minister or general Consul. The government might not wish to give 
a permit to an official representative. In any case to obtain a permit 
requires time and money. It is said to be a long and costly process. 
It is said that the Angora goat when transplanted requires a periodical 
infusion of new blood from the old stock to prevent degeneration. A 
work entitled, 'The Angora Goat,' would no doubt give valuable informa- 



JfJi.6 A Nezv Industry. 

tion on this and other questions concerning this animal. Goats are sent 
from this countiy to South Africa. George Kypelogion, a merchant 
of respectable standing of Angora has acted as agent on behalf of George 
Gatheral, an Englishman, in the purchase of goats for export to South 
Africa." 

It might be well, perhaps, for breeders in a certain district 
■or county where really fine Angoras are being bred, to get 
together and organize an association for the purpose of reg- 
istering a standard-bred Angora, the points of which to be 
agreed on by those interested. 

But it would seem to me hardly possible to ever expect to 
■combine all of our fine goats in a State, or in the United States, 
under a single State or National register. 

Since the foregoing chapter was written, a meeting 
•of Angora goat breeders was held in Kansas City, Mo., which 
resulted in starting the "American Angora Goat Breeders' As- 
sociation," of which 

Mr. T. H. Mastin, of Kansas City, was elected Presiaent, 

Mr. R. C. Johnston, of Lawrence, Kan., Vice-President, 

Mr. T. J. Eamen, Treasurer, and 

Mr. W. T. Mclntire, Secretary ; together with the following 
JBoard of Directors : 

Dr. J. R. vStandley, of Platteville, Iowa. 
Benj. F. Elbert, of Des Moines, Iowa. 
L. A. Allen, of Kansas City, Mo. 
T. H. Mastin, of Kansas City, Mo. 
W. H. Woodhef, of WoodHef, Kan. 
Robt. C. Johnston, of Lawrence, Kan. 
Wm. L. Black, of Fort McKavett, Texas. 

Dr. J. R. Standley was elected Inspector and it is the 
"intention of the Association to inspect such flocks of goats as 
claim to be "thoroughbred," whenever the owners of the same 
express a desire to have their goats registered, when a certifi- 
cate will be given to them for such as come within the standard 
agreed upon. 

It is not the intention of the Association to deal with any 
peculiar "points" beyond a well-formed animal, having a fleece 



Register for Angora Goafs. 447 

of pure mohair' evenly distributed over the body, particularly 
on the chest and belly. 

Such points as shape of horns, character of fieece (whether 
wavy or in ringlets), length of staple, weight of carcass, etc., 
etc., are considered to be of minor importance and can only be 
controlled by a special association, which is recognized as 
being the only practical way to register "fancy points." But 
purity of blood is considered paramount to all others, and as 
being to the best interests of all, that these should be registered, 
in order to protect every one interested in this new industry 
from the unscrupulous breeder, who will represent his stock- 
as being pure, when he has no right to do so. 

In addition to this the Association, which is practically 
national in character, contemplates the general advancement 
of the industry throughout the United States by the collection 
of information, awarding of premiums for excellence of breed- 
ing, ect.. etc. 

The register is to be known as the "American Angora 
Goat Record," and is to be published annually, in book form, 
for free distribution. 

The revenue derived from fees for registration is to be used 
for the general good of the industry. The actual expenses of 
the Inspector, and Secretary, for labor performed, and for print- 
ing and stationery, etc., being the only expense that is to 
be paid out of the general fund, and the surplus to be disposed 
of as the directors may deem proper. 

A "Combination Sale" is to be held in October of each year 
at Kansas City, which '"'^11 enable breeders to select breeding 
sires for themselves, ana dispose of such stock as they may 
have no further use for. 

Only breeders of good reputation and standing can become 
members of the Association. 

The officers are to consist of a President, Vice-President, 
Secretary, Treasurer and Inspector, wdio are to be elected 
annually. 

The affairs of the Association are to be governed by a 
Board of Directors, not to exceed thirteen, who are to be 
selected from among members annually. 



JiJ^.8 A Nezv Industry. 

There is no doubt such an Association will be of incalcul- 
able benefit, and it is hoped that all the breeders will become 
members of it. Most of the present officers are comparatively 
new in the industry, but are men of high standing. Mr. Mastin 
is a capitalist and a large land owner, who has learned of the 
great value of the Angora goat, and is the owner of quite a 
number of them at this time. 

Mr. R. C. Johnston is proprietor of the electric light 
and gas plant in Lawrence, Kan., and is also a new beginner, 

Mr. T. J. Eamen, the 'treasurer, and Mr. W. T. Mclntire, 
the Secretary, are both members of the well known Kansas City 
Live Stock Commission Co., of which Mr. L. A. Allen, one of 
the directors, is Vice-President. 

Mr. Benj. F. Elbert, of Des Moines, Iowa, is a retired 
banker and a large land owner. 

These gentlemen have no object in view, beyond the devel- 
opment of an industry which they believe possesses great merit, 
and are prepared to withdraw from the management of the 
Association whenever the members see proper to elect their 
successors. Upon one of my recent visits to Kansas Cityi 
several of them that I had the pleasure of meeting, expressed 
the hope that the next meeting would be attended by a large 
number of representative breeders throughout the United States, 
and that many of them would bring their best stock to the 
"combination sale,"" which is their intention to have immed- 
iately after the meeting. 

It is expected that the "combination sale"" will result in 
great benefit, as well as profit, to many of the breeders who 
attend them. Oftentimes a breeder may want to change 
the sire of his flock but does not know where he can re- 
place him. Or, he may be in search of an animal possessing 
certain characteristics, either in form or fleece. 

It has been related of Mr. Robt. Bakeweh, to whose genius 
is due the wonderful change that was made in the cattle of 
England during the latter part of the Eighteenth Century, and 
who was the immediate founder of the now famous breed of 
"Leicester sheep," that he has been known to search years for 



Register for Angora Goats. 4W 

an animal possessing certain points that he was wanting to use 
in his experiments. Such a condition need never confront 
the American breeders of the Angora goat if they wih take 
advantage of the plan now proposed, to concentrate the various 
types of Angora goats under one roof, annually. 

It is w^ell kown that the selection of the best of each gen- 
eration, and mating them, has been the means of bringing all 
of our other fine classes of live stock up to the high standard 
of excellence they now enjoy, and it is therefore to be hoped 
that all breeders in the United States who are ambitious of 
seeing the Angora goat superior to all others in the world, 
will unite with the "American Angora Goat Breeders" Associa- 
tion," and join hands with the Board of Directors in their elTorts 
to make it such. 

It is not the intention of the Directors to force any of the 
measures they have adopted unless they meet with the unquali- 
fied approval of a majority of the breeders who may become 
members of the Association. The most of them realize they 
have much to learn concerning the Angora goat, which is a com- 
paratively new animal to them, and for this reason they earnestly 
desire the hearty co-operation of all the old and progressive 
breeders in their efforts to advance and promote this young 
but promising industry. 



Appendix. 



A PaL per on 

the 

Cashmere Goat 

of Asia. 








ffliilii:' 



<< 
O S 

" '^3 

m ^- 

^ S 
o - 



CASHMERE GOAT. 

There has always been so much doubt as to the true 
character of the goats that Dr. Davis, of South Carohna, first 
imported into the United States, many claiming they were of 
the "Cashmere" breed and not "Angora." I have thought it 
might be at least interesting, if not of some practical value, to 
the present breeders of the Angora goat to make some special 
reference to the "Cashmere" goat itself. 

Dr. Davis always maintained that : 

"The Cashmere, Persian, Angora, and Circassian^ goats are all one 
and the same animal, changed in some respects by altitude, though but 
little by latitude." 

Mr. D. J. Browne, an able writer on agricultural subjects 
took exceptions to the claim that Dr. Davis had made, and 
wrote the following article, which appears in the report of the 
Department of Agriculture for 3 85T, page 56. 

Air. Browne says : 

"The Cashmere and Thibet goat are the same. The regions called 
Cashmere, and Thibet, adjoin each other, and the western portion of the 
latter, which is called little Thibet, is included in the dominions of the 
[Maharaja of Cashmere. This goat is found also in the country of the 
Kirghiz, in Central Asia, at the bend of the LTral, north of the Caspian 
Sea. It is of the size of the domestic varieties most common in Europe, 
and the United States, and is covered with long, Hat, and falling silky 
hair beneath which there is, in winter, a delicate greyish wool which 
constitutes the fabric of the costly Cashmere sha%yls of commerce. 
Only three ounces of this wool are, on the average, obtained from each 
goat. * * The Angora is of a silvery white, with long and silky hair of 
one sort only. * * Dr. Davis is therefore, obviously misled in supposing 
that the four varieties of goats named by him are identical." See Pat 
Off. Report, 1857, p. 56. 

It will be observed that ^^Ir. Browne claims that the Cash- 
mere only produces "three ounces" of under-wool, or down ; 
while Dr. Davis says the goats he had, produced one pound. 



4^6 Appendix. 

And Mr. S. Holmes Pegler, a well-known authority on the 
Angora goat, and author of "Advantages of Goat Keeping," 
states that the Cashmere yields one-half pound or eight ounces. 
The following description of the Cashmere goat is by Mr, 
Pegler, and was taken from the Encyclopedia Britannica : 

"This animal has a delicate head, with semi-pendulous ears, which are 
both long and wide. The hair varies in length and is coarse and of dif- 
ferent colours, according to the individual. Tire horns are very erect, 
and sometimes slightly spiral, inclining inwards, and to such an extent 
in some cases as to cross. The coat is composed, as in the Angora, of 
two materials: but in this breed it is the undercoat that partakes of the 
nature of wool and is valued as an article of commerce. This under- 
growth, which is of a uniform greyish-white tint, whatever the colour 
of the hair may be, is beautifully soft and silky, and of a fluffy description 
resembling down. It makes its appearance in the autumn, and continues 
to grow until the following spring, when, if not removed, it falls off natur- 
ally: its collection then commences, occupying from eight to ten days. 
The animal undergoes during that time a process of combing by which all 
the wool and a portion of the hair, which of necessity comes with it, is 
removed. The latter is afterwards carefully separated, when the fleece, 
''in a good specimen, weighs about half a pound, being worth between 
half to three quarters of a rupee. It is sold by the turruk of twelve 
pounds. This is the material of which the far-farned and costly shawls 
are made, which at one time had such a demand that, it is stated '16,000 
looms were kept in constant work at Cashmere, in their manufacture.' 
Those goats having a short, neat head, very long, thin ears, a delicate 
skin, small bones, and a long heavy coat are, for this purpose, deemed 
the best. There are several varieties possessing this valuable cjuality. 
but those of Cashmere, Thibet, and Mongolia, are the most esteemed. 
About the year 1816, a small herd of Cashmeres was introduced into 
France with a view to acclimatize and breed them for tne sake of their 
wool, but the enterprise failed. A few were purchased and brought 
over to England by Mr. C. T. Tower, who, by careful treatment, so far 
succeeded with them that, in course of time he had a shawl made from 
their fleece, which turned out to be ot good quality. At the death of the 
owner, some years later, the herd, which had then deteriorated through 
in-breeding, was presented to the Queen, and placed in Windsor Park." 
See Ency. Brit., Vol. X, 709. 



TIic Casluncrc Goat. ^^y 

About thirty years ago an eminent breeder of sheep in 
Australia, Sir Samuel Wilson, imported from India, at an 
expense of £300, sterling (about $1,500.00 in American money), 
a pair of "Cashmere goats'" for the purpose of experimenting 
with the breeding of them in that climate. His experience was 
not any more satisfactory with these than it had been with a 
lot of "Angoras" that he had brought in about the same time 
from Asia Minor, and was not followed up many years. 

In 1873, this gentleman wrote a pamphlet giving some very 
interesting facts about "Angora" goats in Australia, from which 
the following extract is taken touching the "Cashmere" breed: 

"The late Prince Albert had a small flock of the pure Cashmere, 
goats at Windsor. With the enlightened foresight, for v/hich he was dis- 
tinguished, he was always in the van whenever any good work could be 
done for the benefit of agriculture, or the increase of the prosperity of 
the people of England. Desiring to have some fabrics manufactured trom 
the fleece of his Cashmere flock, a ciuantity of the wool, and hair, as it is 
shorn from the goats, was sent to a large manufacturer, 'i ne separation 
of the wool from the hair being, at that time, from the imperfection of the 
m.achinery in use, a very diificult operation, a great number of ladies 
assisted tlie manufacturer by taking small portions of the iieece an^. 
picking by hand, the wool from the hair. Such was the enthusiasm 
caused by the experiment that over a thousand persons of all grades and 
conditions, were engaged in the work. Each person so employed re- 
ceived as remuneration an elegantly engraved certificate, stating that the 
holder had assisted in bringing to a successful result the exepriment of 
His Royal Highness in the manufacture of Cashmere goats' wool. Some 
brocades and two beautiful shawls were produced by Messrs. Haley, the 
manufacturers, and the hair was also made into a coarse fabric which 
was shown in contrast with the finer textures." 

"Notwithstanding the success of this experiment and the high nature 
of the requisite textures made from Cashmere wool, I am far from think- 
ing the Cashmere goat of equal value, in an economic point of view to the 
Angora. The immense amount of labor required to free the Cashmere 
wool fron*! the coarse hairs, and the very small quantity of wool produced 
b}' each animal, are dfificulties that are not to be surmounted." 

It was the opinion of Sir Samuel Wilson that the amount 
of fine wool on the "Cashmere" could, by proper breeding, be 
ver}- largely increased, and he refers to an experiment in this 



458 Appendix. 

regard that was made by a M. Pollounau in 1818, with some 
"Cashmeres" that had been imported into France by Baron 
Ternaiix, a few years before : 

" 'The object of the experiment, he says, was to produce an animal 
with the wool, or down, more abundant than in the Cashmere race and 
with the hairy coat more silky, and finer.' The experiment with the 
first cross, with an Angora goat, increased the length of the under fleece, 
or down, fully twice the length it was on the Cachmere, and it was the 
opinion of Baron Ternaux that 'the fleece of the cross between the two 
breeds, in consecjuence of its special qualities, would have produced 
fabrics superior to the most beautiful of those hitherto introduced." 

Mr D. J. Browne also makes some reference to this matter 
in the letter I have jtist quoted from referring to Dr. Davis, 
although the name of M. Pollounau is not spelled exactly the 
same as above, there is very little doubt but that they are in- 
tended to mean the same person. 

Mr. Browne says : 

"There is some evidence of the importation of both the Thibet, and 
the Angora goat, into France at different times. * * * It is well known 
that in 1819 a ]\Ions Jaubert brought some 400 or 500 Thibet goats from 
the Kirghiz Territory to France having started from the former country 
with 1300. Those which survived the journey were received at Marseilles 
by a Mons Tessier, and by him placed in various situations in France. 
A doubt was at one time expressed as to the purity of the breed of these 
goats, but no good reason was advanced as to the basis of such a doubt. 
Their fleece did not prove abundant enough for profit, however, until 
J 823, when a Mons Polonceau caused a cross to be made between the 
Thibet, or Cashmere and Angora goat with great success insomuch that, 
instead of three, thirty ounces of down was obtained from each of several 
of the cross-breeds; and, it is added, of a superior quality, being of a 
finer and longer staple, while the animals themselves were quite hardy 
and more docile. In 1824 some of the Thibet goats were conveyed from 
France to the county of Essex, in England, by a Mr. Towers, but thei 
number was not regarded as sufficient, nor is there any record of the 
result." (See Pat. Of¥. Report, 1855, p. 55.) 

It is to be regretted that there is no further record of' this 
interesting experiment in France, but it is of great value to know 
that such a marked improvement in the "Cashmere" was made 
in the short time the experiment lasted. 



The Cashmere Goaf. _/5P 

In this connection I would call the readers attention to the 
experiment of Dr. J. B. Davis, of South Carolina, with the 
goats he had imported into this country in 1849. In a com- 
munication to the Patent Office in 1853, Dr. Davis says: 

"In the third cross upon the Cashmere, we may expect a valuable 
experiment by changing the fine under-wool, or down, into a conjoint 
and uniform covering of wool." See Pat. Ofif. Report, 1853, p. 21. 

Sir Samuel Wilson was of the opinion that 

"By selection the wool might be increased by slow degrees, and the 
kinky hairs lessened until a wool-bearing animal, with a fleece finer than 
the finest Merino wool, and as free from kinky hairs, of its early progeni- 
tors, as is the champion Merino at Skipton, or Mudgee (where the bes*. 
specimens of the Merino in the world are to be seen) frbm the hairy 
mantle of its ovine ancestor, the Argali, of the Caucasus. Possibly the 
result might sooner be reached by a cross of the Angora producing a va- 
riety of intermediate forms, and making the breed more plastic, and 
lessening the force of heredity, giving more scope for selection. Oi 
cross-breeding, however, I am not an admirer, and think the desired 
end is to be attained in a more satisfactory way by a long course of selec- 
tion carried out in an intelligent manner, and with a fixed purpose kept 
constantly in view. Have we no skilful breeder in Australia who will 
undertake this task and beciueth it to his children if incomplete in his 
lifetime?" 

It will be reiueiubered that some of the early (18.")5-56) 
breeders of the "Davis" goats in Tennessee claimed to have 
produced a fleece ranging from three pounds to seven, which 
they sold at six dollars, to eight dollars and fifty cents, per p.ound 
to the manufacturers of shawls in Paiseley, Scotland, (see Chap- 
ter XVIII.) In view of the experiments referred to in the fore- 
going extracts the opinion is forced upon me that, possibly the 
Tennessee breeders had a strain of blood (which we know came 
direct from the hands of Dr. Davis in South Carolina) practically 
the same as mentioned by Mons PoUounau of France, only of a 
much higher type, which in subsequent years they lost by inad- 
vertently mixing their pure goats with the common blood of our 
country, and finally resulting in a complete change in the charac- 
ter of the fleece. 



460 Appendix. 

It would indeed be very interesting if the suggestion made 
by Sir Samuel Wilson could be carried out in practice by some 
American breeder; and, in the absence of the pure "Cashmere" 
it is not unlikely that one of our native Rocky Mountain goats 
v/ould make an excellent substitute. 



A Patper 

on the 

Rocky Movintain Goat 

of the 

United Sta.tes. 






KOCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT. 

The following description is given of the Rocky Mountain 
goat, Copra Americana, by the late Prof. Spencer F; Baird. an 
American naturalist, who was connected with the "Smithsonian 
Institute" of the L'nited States for some time'prior to his death, 
which took place in 1S8T. 

"This beautiful animal is frequently confounded with the big horn 
or mountain sheep, from which it differs in many important characteris- 
tics. It is of the size of the domestic sheep, and bears no inconsiderable 
resemblance to the Merino breed in the way in which the fleece hangs 
down on the sides. The body, neck, and head, resemble those of the 
common goat. The horns are small, awl-shaped, and pointed, and nearly 
erect, with but a slight curvature backwards. Both horns and hoofs 
are black. The animal is entirely white with the exception iust named. 
The body is covered with long, straight hair, considerably coarser than 
the wool of the sheep, but softer than that of the common goat. Ihis 
hair is abundant on the shoulders, neck, back, and thighs; a considerable 
tuft of it, attached to the chin, forms a beard. There is likewise much 
of it on the chest and lower part of the throat. The tail is short, and, 
though clothed with long hair, is almost concealed by that which covers 
the rump. Under the hair of the body, there is a close coat of frne, 
white wool. The hair on the face and legs is short, the fetlocks short, 
and, with the hoofs, perpendicular. The small posterior hoofs do not 
touch the ground. 

"To the agriculturist and manufacturer, the mountain goat affords a 
promise of importance which we may well hope to see realized. No wild 
species can compare with it in the excellence of its fleece, which, even in 
its original state, is as fine as that of the celebrated Cashmere goat. Care- 
ful management, under domestication, would, no doubt, increase this 
character to an extraordinary degree. Hence, it is not remarkable that 
attention should have been directed to this species with a view to its cul- 
tivation. The Highland Society, at one time, made an effort to intro- 
duce this animal into Scotland, where it was supposed it would thrive. 
Owing, however, to the inaccessibility of its nature, it was found impossi- 
ble to obtain specimens. At the present time, such might perhaps be 
procured through the agency of the 'American Fur Company,' to one 
of whose posts. Fort Benton, on the Upper Missouri, above '.he falls, 
skins arc occasionallv brought. 



Ji,6Jf Appendix. 

"A competent wool-grower in Scotland, to whom the subject was re- 
ferred, reported that 'the wool which forms the chief covering of the skin 
is fully an inch and a half long, and of the finest quality. It is unlike 
the fleece of the common sheep, which contains a variety of different 
kinds of wool, suitable to the fabrication of articles very dissimilar in 
their nature, and requires much care to distribute them in their proper 
order. The fleece under consideration is wholly fine. That on the fore 
part of the skin has all the apparent qualities of wool; that on the back 
part, very much resembles cotton. The whole fleece, is much mixed 
with hairs, and on those parts where the hairs are long and pendant 
there is almost no wool.' 

"The mountain goat inhabits the loftiest peaks of the Rocky mountain 
range, seldom coming down to the plains. They frequent the steepest 
precipices, and have much of the habit of the common goat. The species 
■is common on those high lands of the Rocky Mountains whence flow the 
four great rivers, the McKenzie, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Nel- 
son, each one emptying into a different ocean. Their range is between 
the parallels of 40o and 64°. The only point within the United States 
where they are well known is about Ft. Benton, whence we have seen a 
single hunter's skin. No animal is less known to our naturalists, there 
being not a single preserved specimen, to the best of our knowledge, 
in any museum within the United States. Travellers who speak of the 
'mountain goat,' sometimes refer to the big-horn, the female of which 
has horns much like those of a goat." (See U. S. Pat. Off. Report, 1851, 
p. 120. 

In my chapter on "Science in Breeding, Etc." (XV^Iil), I have 
copied a letter from Mr. S. S. Brannin of Marysville, Montana, a 
breeder of Angora goats, who had hunted and killed one of the 
Rocky Mountain goats, and his description of it is quite interest- 
ing. 

There is very little doubt but that a cross of this animal 
with the "Ang^ora" would be valuable. 



A Patper on 

the 

LlamaL and Alpaca. 

of 

Peru, S. A. 




5=^ 

. 3 

3 o 



gig 

o °o^ 
talc's 









LLAMA AND ALPACA. 

Considering the fact that it was through the fleece of the 
llama and alpaca that the Angora goat was first brought into 
prominence, it will not be out of place, perhaps, to make some 
reference to this very peculiar, but valuable, class of animals 
which are almost exclusively confined, at the present time, to 
Peru, in South America. 

The following paper was contributed to our Agricultural 
Department in 1857, by Mr. D. J. Browne, from whose writings 
I have already quoted in connection with the Cashmere goat : 
Their Geographical Distribution, Organization, Food, Habits 
and Probable Adaption to Certain Regions of the United States. 

"On the lofty Cordilleras of the Andes, in South America, considera- 
bly below the line of perpetual snow, from Chili nearly .to the equator, 
there abound at least three kinds of animals known under the names 
of 'Guanaco,' or 'Llama;' 'Pace,' or 'Alpaca;' and the Vicuna; the latter 
of which, according to the classification of Cuvier, is merely a variety 
of the llama. This also agrees with the opinion of Inca Garcilaso de la 
Vega, who says, in the year 1811, that 'the domestic animals of the Pe- 
ruvians are of two kinds — the greater and the smaller — which they as 
a common name, call 'llama,' that is cattle or sheep. The larger kind 
they call 'huanacu-llama,' on account of the resemblance it bears to the 
wild animal known in Peru by the name of 'huanacu,' from which it differs 
only in color; for the domestic llamas are to be met with as various in 
their colors as horses; but the wild llamas are uniformly of a chestnut 
color. The larger kind bears a great similitude to a camel, except that 
it is deficient in the hump upon its back, and is not so large. The small 
kind they call 'paco-llama,' which is only reared for its flesh and wool. 
The 'vicunas' are not verj^ unlike goats in their appearance, except that 
they have no horns, are larger, and are of a leonine color, or more rud- 
dy. They live in the highest mountains and groves, and particularly 
love those cold regions of solitude, which the Peruvians designate by the 
common name of 'punas;' neither are they annoyed by frost and snow, 
but are rather created by them. They go in flocks, and run most 
swiftly; and such is their timidity that, at the sight of man or wild beasts. 



46S AppcndiA . 

they instantly hurry into inaccessible retreats, and thereby elude their 
pursuers. There were formerly a great number of these animals here, 
but they are now becoming much more rare in consequence of the pro- 
miscuous license of hunting them. Their wool is very fine, resembling 
silk or the fur of the beaver, and the natives deservedly hold it in high es- 
timation; for, besides other properties, it is also said to resist heat and 
impart coolness to the wearer. 

"The llama (Auchenia glama) ordinarily, is from four to five feet 
in height, of a light-brown on the back and sides, and under the belly 
uniformly white. Sometimes, however, it is dun, grey, or even inclining 
to purple, and very seldom parti-colored or black. The hair is long, 
of a texture between silk and wool, but not curled. 

"The alpaca, (Auchenia Alpaca) is smaller than the llama; its usual 
height being only four feet. It appears more corpulent, however, owing 
to its possessing a much longer and more profuse clothing of hair, 
which sometimes, is from eight to twelve inches in length on the sides, 
-rump, and breast. The lleece of an old individual is represented to weigh 
twenty or thirty pounds. It partakes of various colors, often being parti- 
colored, but more frequently white than the other species. 

"The most frequent breeds are said to come from the central pro- 
vinces; and here it may not be irrelevant to observe that there are two 
varieties of alpaca, differing in size, figure and fleece. The breed called 
'coyas' is the most diminutive, and is esteemed for the smallness of bone 
and symmetry of form. It is chiefly confined to the Cusco range of moun- 
tains, more particularly to that part of it intervening between the ancient 
city of the Incas and Haumanga. It is thought to be a remnant of the 
old royal flocks, or those once owned by the priests of the sun, who are 
represented as having the choicest breeds. That territory was, besides the 
principal theatre of agricultural operations, the seat of power, and the 
centre of Peruvian civilization. 

"The Peruvians dry the flesh of the llama as well as that of the alpaca, 
which they are very fond of eating. 

"The order to which the genus Auchenia belongs, offers to the eye 
of the naturalist but a very small anatomical difference of conformation 
from that containing the camel, properly so called. The feet are not, 
like those of that quadruped, entirely padded with an elastic sole, but the 
two toes are separated, each having strong, horny nails, or hoofs, nearly 
resembling the talons of a bird, with a thick cushion, or pad beneath. 
These animals are also dissimilar in the formation and arrangement 
of their teeth, having on each side of the upper jaw one canine tooth more 
than the camel, but are deficient in a second canine tooth in the lower 
jaw. Their incisors project fully half an inch from the muzzle-bone, so 
as to meet the pad fitted above, by which means, and with the aid of 
the tongue and cleft lip, they are not only enabled to draw together and 



The Llama and Alpaca. ^dp 

clip short grass upon the ground, but also, with their long necks, pointed 
muzzles, and the oblique posture which the head can assume, to collect 
herbage growing on the hedges, and in the interstices of rocks seven feet 
high, as well as the tops of hedges and tall shrubs. Their teeth are, at 
the same time, so strong and interlock in such a manner that they easily 
crush and masticate vegetable substances too hard and tough for ordi- 
nary cattle. The absence of the hump and of the callosity on the breast, 
also constitute striking points of difference between these animals and 
the camel. The llama, however, has a conformation resembling the 
camel's hump, being provided with an excess of nutritive matter, which 
lies in a thick bed of fat under the skin, and is absorbed as a compensation 
for an occasional want of food. Some of these animals, as in the camel, 
have collosities on the knees of the fore-legs, and, like them, kneel down 
in the same manner. Their stomachs and those of the camel, in some 
respects, are similarly organized. That of the llama, accordmg to Sir 
Rverard Home, has a portion of it, as it w^^e, intended to resemble the 
reservoirs for water in the camel; but these have no depth, being only 
superficial cells, and have no muscular apparatus to close their mouths 
and allow the solid food to pass into the fourth cavity, or digesting stom- 
ach, without going into these cells. But the stomachs of these quad- 
rupeds certainly must have some kind of internal mechanism for retain- 
ing water or secreting a liquid substance; for it has been remarked, 
along the flanks of some parts of the Andes ,that they live far above any 
lakes or streams, and abstain from drink s. great portion of the year; and 
further, it has been observed, that in a state of domestication, they never 
manifest any desire to drink so long as they can obtain an abundance of 
succulent herbage. From the peculiar organization both of the camel 
and the llama, we are led to infer that each is evidently fitted by nature 
for the endurance of great hardships and privations — the one amidst 
the sands of the desert, under a burning sun; the other on the wastes 
of some of the loftiest mountains of the globe, with a region of perpetual 
snow above. The slight variations of their conformation, such as that of 
the foot, are modifications of nature which befit them for their respective 
abodes. A habitation amongst the rocks would be mechanically impossi- 
ble for the dromedary, whilst the burning plains would be as little suited 
to the paco. 

"The llama, in its natural habitat on the Andes, at an elevation of 
from 8,000 to 12,000 feet above the level of the sea, far above any lakes 
or streams, feeds through choice, on a sort of rushy grass, or reed, called 
'ichu,' which grows in abundance where it is said these animals are never 
known to drink so long as a sufficiency of green, succulent herbage can 
be ob;a'ned. They also derive subsistence from the mosses and lichens 
which fr-.nge the rocks among their native haunts, or by browsing upon 
tender shvubs. They adapt themselves to almost any soil or situation, 



4yo Appendix. 

provided the heat is not oppressive or prolonged, and the air is pure, 
possessing a hardiness of constitution admirably well adapted to the 
nature of their birth-place, where, during half the year, snow and hail 
incessantly fall; whilst in the higher regions, nearly every night during 
summer, the mercury sinks below the freezing point, and the peaks are 
perpetually covered with accumulations of ice or snow. It is astonishing 
that the temperature of the air on mountains so peculiarly situated and 
exposed to the full glare of the vertical sun, should be so much chilled 
as almost to present the desolate aspect of the Arctic regions; and yet 
such are the tracts upon which the vicuna and the guanaco abound and 
run wild, far above the abode of man, and are hunted for their flesh and 
skins. It is remarkable, however, that they do not inhabit Quito, Santa 
Fe, Caracas, etc., although the climate of the mountains of those parts 
is similar to that of High Peru. 

"The comparatively small size of these animals, as well as the vege- 
table forms by which they are surrounded, clearly indicates that the cli- 
mate of the Andes is not favorable either to animal or vegetable growth. 
It has also been remarked, that there the human species is subject to 
the same law; man decreasing in bulk and stature in proportion as he 
dwells near the mountain summits. In Peru, the winter sets in towards 
June, and is severely felt on the highlands, where the snow remains upon 
the ground six, and in some places, eight months in the year. As soon 
as the narrow and green strip of land bordering on the Pacific is passed 
the traveller begins to ascend the slopes; and when he attains the first 
table-land, observes a complete change in the climate and the appearance 
of vegetation. Except in the 'yungas,' or hollows, where an alluvial 
soil has been collected, and where the Indian plants his sugar-cane, 
banana, and esculent roots, the country wears a naked and barren aspect. 

■'The female llama and alpaca go with young eleven or twelve * 
.months, and rarely produce more than one at a birth. They are weaned 
when half a year old, but are not put at work before they have com- 
pleted the third year. They begin to bear when two years old. 

"The llama and alpaca, as well as the alpaca and vicuna, can be in- 
duced to breed together, and of the former imion there are frequent in- 
stances to be met with in Europe as well as in Peru. From this alliance, 
a beautiful hybrid results, if possible, finer to the eye than either parenv, 
and also more easily trained to work, but, like the mule, it does not 
procreate. 

"From the sterility of this hybridous race, it would follow that the al- 
paca is a distinct variety of the llama tribe, differing as much from its 
allied species as the horse does from the ass; and, consequently, that the 
two domestic animals of the Peruvians were not brought to their present 



""'According to investigations made by Dr. J. L. Hayes, only seven 
months is the period of gestation. See Hayes, p. 149. 



TJic Llama and Alpaca. 411 

state by means of crossing. Their inter-mixture is a modern expedient 
by the .Spaniards. It is a rule of the' vital economy, that life only springs 
from life, and every being is consequently endowed with the property of 
generating an offspring, inheriting a nature similar to its own. When 
the species Ya.ry, this rule ceases to act; whence, although possessing a 
strong physiological resemblance in many important points in their 
organization, there must necessarily be some material difference between 
the llama and alpaca in the functons of generation, which it is more than 
presumable equally extends to the wild species, and that difference 
produces an irregularity at variance with Nature's laws, constituting an 
essential condition of life. It appears from the report of M. Bory de 
Saint Vincent, a distinguished natiiralist, who accomanpied the French 
army into Spain, under Marshal Soult that he observed in the Zoologi- 
cal Garden of Don Francisco de Theran, at SanLucar dc Barrameda, 
in Andalusia, three alpa-vigonias (the cross between the vicuna and 
alpaca), the fleeces of which were much longer, and six times heavier 
than those of any other variety. The Spaniards were proud of this 
acquisition, thinking that they had obtained a new race of wool-bearing 
animals, calculated to people their hills and repair the loss sustained 
through the decline in their Merino flocks. By the experiment of cross- 
ing, however, they defeated the very object they had in view, as the 
animals gradually died off, without leaving any offspring-, and in the 
course of a few years there was scarcely one individual to be found 
in the kingdom. 

"The Peruvians are careful not to overload either of these animals, 
the burden of which is generally about 100 pounds, though for a short 
distance, on good roads, they occasionaly carry twelve or fifteen pounds 
more. They are usually docile and willing to perform their task, if 
gently treated, but, if provoked, they express their anger by turning 
back their ears and spitting into the face of their offender, even if 
he be three of four yards off. Their food is never prepared for them, 
but when unemployed, they are suffered to graze on their native mount- 
ains, often pasturing in company with the wild species; but they are 
so much accustomed, and apparently attached to mankind, that they 
never exchange servitude for freedom. Those animals which have been 
brought to Europe and the United States appeared to thrive well for 
a time on the same sorts of food as eaten by cattle and sheep, but the 
inferior kinds of browse, grass or hay, with a due proportion of 
potatoes, carrots or other succulent roots were preferred by them to 
rich pastures and farinaceous grains. Too liberal an allowance of 
nutritious and stimulating food to an animal extremely abstemious 
cannot, therefore, be regarded other than injurious. Its peculiarly 
formed stomach is not adapted to dry, hard food, the best proof of 
which is its habitual abstinence from drink. In Puru, the llama is 
sometimes treated with maize or millet, in their green, soft, silky stage. 



472 Appendix. 

"In regard to the diseases of these animals, it has frequently been 
remarked that when they are taken down to the lowland towns, and 
are there kept for much length of time, they perspire freely, as soon 
as the hot weather comes on, and, if neglected, a scurf, or rash, forms 
on the skin. In their new character, the coat, of course, is carefully 
preserved as being ornamental; but, if it is shorn off, and the animal is 
bathed in the cool part of the day, befoie the system has been heated 
by exercise, or the natufal warmth of the climate, the sufferer invariably 
recovers in a short time. This cooling remedy, it has been observed, 
the animals themselves naturally seek; for. when taken down to the 
heated atmosphere of the plains, should this rash break out. both these 
animals instinctively go in search of n refreshing stream, not for the 
purpose of drinking, as has been erroneously supposed, but for bath- 
ing, and thereby preserving their health. 

"For a period of nearly forty years the subject of introducing these 
quadrupeds into this country has been agitated, and several attempts 
have been made to engraft them into our husbandry. As well known 
instances of this, it may be recollected that the late Col. Skinner pub- 
lished an extended notice of these animals in the 'American Farmer' 
in Baltimore, advocating their adoption, in 1821; the 'American Agri- 
cultural Association,' of the City of New York, raised a fund by sub- 
scription for their introduction in 1816. A present of several of them was 
made by the Peruvian Government to the Hon. Daniel Webster, when 
Secretary of State; and the early part of the past winter, a car of llamas 
and alpacas were shipped to Baltimore, on speculation, from, Guya- 
quil. But. owing to the apparent inadaptability of these animals to the 
climate and elevation of the Atlantic and Gulf States, all the experiments 
hitherto made proved futile. To succeed, then, as a last resort, we have 
only to direct our attention to those vast elevated tracts known -tmder 
the name of the 'Great Plains,' at the east of the Rocky Mountains, 
and lying, principally, between longitude twenty degrees, and thirty 
degrees west from Washington, extending from Texas to the Arctic 
Sea. The plains contain but little timber, or woods, and individual 
trees are rare. They mostly have a gentle slope from the west to the 
east, though, in some instances, gracefully undulating, clad with thick, 
nutritious grasses, and teeming with animal life. The soil, though 
compact, is a fine calcareous mould. The climate is comparatively 
rainless, storms being rare, except during the melting of the snows 
on the mountain crests, which swells the rivers, like the Nile, to irri- 
gate, rather to drain the neighboring tracts. The herbage, which is 
perennial, edible, and nutritious throughout the year, is peculiarly 
adapted to the dryness of the soil, and the temperature of the air. It 
consists, principally, of the 'Gramma," or 'Buffalo,' grass, and covers 



The Llama and Alpaca. 77j 

the ground an inch in height, having the appearance of a dehcate moss. 
During the mehing of the snows, in the immense mountain masses 
beyond the Great Plains, the rivers yield a copious evaporation in 
their long and sinuous courses; storm-clouds gather on the summits, 
roll down the mountain flanks, and discharge themselves in vernal 
showers. In this temporary prevalence of moist atmosphere, these 
delicate grasses grow, seed in the root, and are cured into hay upon the 
ground by the returning drought. It is in this longitudinal belt of 
eternal pasture that the llama and alpaca would thrive, if at all, in any 
part of our domains, where infinite herds of aboriginal cattle, the bulTalo, 
the elk, the antelope, and wild horses abound, as well as the mountain 
sheep, the white and black tailed deer, and innumerable smaller game. 
They could be imported from Peru to a number of a few hundreds, 
by the way "of the Gulf of California and the Gila, and presented as a 
token of friendship to the immense population of nomadic Indians, 
or their chiefs, by whom they should be protected under the prohib- 
itory laws. 

"Could these animals be sulifered to remain unmolested for ten oi 
twenty years, if successful, they would probabl}^ increase to thousands. 
and even millions, ever after, while immense profits would result from 
their flesh, skins, and Wool, besides using them as beasts of burden, in 
places inaccessible to the camel or the mule." (Agtl. Dept. Report, 
1857.) 

Dr. John L. Hayes added a very interesting account of 
"The Alpaca and Its Congeners." in an appendix to his work 
on the Angora goat in 1882. This able writer had evidently 
investigated very closely into the experiments that had been 
made in different parts of the world, in trying to acclimate this 
animal in other countries, and, notwithstanding there had been 
no really successful result, he was strongly in favor of our gov- 
ernment making another attempt to localize them in the United 
States. 

The following are his remarks upon "Experiments in Ac- 
climation :" 

"As these pages are intended, in a large part,, for agricultural read- 
ers, to whom the possibility of acquiring new domestic animals is of 
special interest, they will, naturally, inquire as to the success hitherto 
attained in acclimating these animals, and especiall}^ the alpaca, the 
most desirable acquisition, out of Puru. 



Jf7Jt Appendix. 

"The immortal Buffon said, of the dom.estic species in question, 
in 1765, 'I conceive that these animals would be an excellent acquisi- 
tion for Europe, and would produce more real good than all the gold 
of the New World.' A French naturalist, hardly less celebrated, and 
the highest authority on acclimation that has ever lived, Isadore Geof- 
froy Saint Hilaire, said in 1848, 'When an attempt shall be made upon 
a well chosen point on the Alps, or the Pyrenees, the success is as 
assured as that of any new enterprise can be.' With all the influence 
of these great names, and the numerous efiforts which they have 
prompted, the attempts to secure the alpaca or llama in Europe as per- 
manent acquisitions have been hitherto fruitless, although the partial 
success, upon the whole, furnishes strong grounds for believing that 
further attempts should not be abandoned. 

"I will just recount the experience in England, obviously a most 
unfavorable country on account of its moist climate. The first alpaca 
seen in England was in 1809. The Duchess of York had four or five 
alpaca pets; but they gave no increase. In 1817, Mr. Burnett, of Burks, 
imported two alpacas, and from this stock reared fifteen young. The 
Earl of Derby, who had a passion for the acclimation of animals, 
entered into the enterprise of raising alpacas with great spirit, and in 
1841 wrote: 'I certainly know of nothing likely to prevent the propaga- 
tion of the animals in this country.' It is said that he afterwards changed 
his opinion. The alpacas of the Earl of Derby eventually came into 
the hands of Mr. (afterwards Sir) Titus Salt, who devoted) much 
attention to their culture. He finally arrived at the conclusion that 
'while the alpacas could endure the most intense cold, they would be 
unable to withstand the humidity of the climate of England.' Further 
attempts to acclimate the alpaca in England seem to have been thence 
forth abandoned. 

".An English author, Wdliam Walton, who published a book on 
the alpaca in 1811, said that "there was i!0 obstacle to the acquisition of 
the alpaca by France on the Alps and the Pyrenees, except the incapaciay 
of Frenchmen.' While the results in France certainly do not refute 
Mr. Walton's reproach, they evince no lack of zeal. But although 
BufTon, in his extreme old age, declared 'I persist in believing that it 
would be as possible as it would be useful to naturalize these three 
species of" the animals of Puru,' nothing was done in this direction until 
the commencement of this century, when the Empress Josephine 
revived the idea of BufTon. In 1804 she obtained orders from the King 
of Spain for the transmission to France of a flock of the three then 
l^nown species of these animals from his kingdom of Peru. Thirty- 
five animals were embarked from Buenos Ayres. On the voyage they 
did well until the provision of potatoes gave out, when twenty-seven 
died. The survivors were landed in Spain, but, on account of the wars, 



Tlic Llama and Alpaca. _/73 

never reached France. Subsequently, at a period not mentioned, Wil- 
liam II, King of Holland, obtained a certain number of alpacas and 
llamas, which he established in one of his parks. Notwtihstanding the 
low and humid locality, they multiplied to such an extent that the flock 
reached the number of thirty head. In 1849, the French Minister of 
Agriculture purchashed this flock, consisting of eighteen llamas and 
twelve alpacas, which arrived in good health; but, instead of bemg 
carried to the mountains, they were placed at Versailles, and all died. 
In 1857, the Imperial Society of Acclimation of France, engaged the 
services of a M. Roehn, an enthusiast in the project of naturalizing 
these animals, and familiar with them in their native country, who. after 
surmounting fatigue and difficulties impossible to describe, landed at 
Bordeaux thirty-three alpacas, nine llamas, and one vicuna, which were 
the only remains of some hundreds with which he started from Peru. 
The last record of this flock, made in 1861, is that 'those which survived, 
unfortunately a small number, are now distributed in different suitable 
localities, and are in a good state.' 

"An enterprise, which lor some time promised very brilliant results, 
was undertaken about 185:2, by Mr. Charles Ledger, an Englishman 
(whose observations I have before frequently referred to), who had been 
employed in purchasing alpaca wools in Puru for English houses. In- 
duced by the promise of a premium of £10,000, made by the Colony of 
New South Wales, for the introduction of a flock of Alpacas, he devoted 
six years of inexpressible toil and difficulty to this enterprise. His 
difficulties were greatly, enhanced by the necessity of removing the ani- 
mals clandestinely, their exportation being prohibited by the Peruvian 
government. Starting from the interior in February, 1858, with 415 
head of llamas, alpacas, and vicunas, he arrived at the port of Caldera, 
in May, with 322 animals. Thence embarking for Sidney in New South 
Wales, he arrived at that port in September with 260 head in excellent 
condition. The flock, immediately on its arrival, was driven to an eleva- 
ted locality, the district of Mammera. 260 miles from Sydney, a point 
previously selected by Mr. Ledger. He writes to a friend soon alter 
their arrival. 'The animals are admirably recovered, in spite of the heat 
of the season, and the privations of the voyage.' The next report we 
have of the alpacas is a letter from Mr. Edward Wilson, a distinguished 
propagator of acclimation in Australia, published in the 'Times' in 1862. 
He says, 'The alpacas of 'Slv. Ledger have rapidly multiplied. They are 
exempt from every malady, and appear to accommodate themselves bet- 
ter to the indigenous plants than to the clover and lucerne and other 
cultivated plants first given to them. The propagation of the alpaca 
in Australia is only a question of time.' It is really sad, in view of the 
subsequent results which I am compelled to state, to see the extrava- 
gant hopes that this intrepid enthusiast built upon his enterprise. He 



4'/6 Appcidix. 

declared that the descendants from his animals alone would be suffici- 
ently numerous before fifty years to supply an exportation of wool 
of the value of fifteen million pounds sterling. 

"The final report we have of this enterprise, from which so much 
was hoped, is in 1878, and is as follows: 

■■ 'At first the experiment of Mr. Ledger presented most encourag- 
ing prospects; the herds contirmed healthy, and increased in numbers; 
but gradually the subtle influences of the loss of their native mountain 
climate became apparent, the creatures drooped, their numbers dwindled 
and for the present the undertaking must be regraded as a complete 
failure.* 

"Some of the alpacas brought from Peru by M. Roehn in 1849, 
were landed in New York. I have no information as to their further 
destination or ultimate fate." S;e Hayes, p. 159-lt)"2. 

In the Report of the Hon. Frederick Watts for 1875, our 
then Commissioner of Agriculture, I find the following : 

"In the latter part of IST.j, correspondence was had between the Com 
missioner, and Hon. Francis Thomas, late minister to Peru (since de- 
ceased) concerning a small flock of alpacas which that gentleman had 
imported from Peru and placed on his farm at Frankville, AUeghaney 
County, Maryland. In a letter of October 8, 1875, Mr. Thomas, in- 
closing a sample of the wool of four months' growth, remarked : 'The 
fiber of a fleece of twelve months' growth often exceeds fifteen inches 
in length, and the fleeces average from seven pounds to ten pounds j 
in weight. The animals live to an age of twenty, twenty-five and some- 
times thirty years; are too large, and bold, to be worried by dogs. 
and are very docile, and tractable. I think you will concur with me in 
the opinion that this experiment which I am conducting is well worth 
the expense which I have incurred, especially when we consider the 
public benefit which would accrue in case of my success. The illustra- 
tions here given are photographs of several of my flock. 

"Attempts have been made at various times in this country, in 
Europe, and in Australia, to introduce the alpaca, but generally, without 
profitable results. Various causes have contributed to the failure of 
these efTorts. Sometimes the confinement on shipboard, during a long 
voyage, has nearly destroyed the stock. Again the animals, when 
brought to their destined abode, have been placed on luxuriant clover 
pasture, or other feed, so much richer than the coarse herbage of their 
native regions that disease has fastened on the whole flock. 



^Encyclopaedia Britannica, art. "Alpaca," ed. of 1878. 

j-Dr. Hayes says: "The adult llama furnishes an annual fleece of 
from twelve to fourteen pounds and exceptionally of twenty." (See 
Hayes, p. 1-50. 



The Llama and Alpaca. ^/^yy 

"The alpaca is indigenous in the mountain regions of Peru, and 
thrives in the highest inhabited districts of the Andes, where the cold 
is more severe than in most parts of the United States. Accustomed 
to the viccisitudes of such regions, and inured to cold, damp, 
hunger, and thirst, it is especially adapted to bleak hill districts. Yet, 
it is said to do well in most localities where the air is pure, the heat not 
oppressive, and water, for bathing, readily accessible. The latter is 
stated to be indispensable to the health of the animal, which, when de- 
prived of this requisite, soon becomes fevered, and infected with scab. 

"While the introduction of the alpaca into this country still remains 
a matter of experiment, there is no known reason why such experiment 
should not be successful, when properly conducted, in localities afford- 
ing some approximation to the native conditions of the animal. Not 
to mention many elevated situations in the Atlantic, Northern, and Cen- 
tral States, the regions lying along the Rocky Mountain ranges have 
been indicated as presenting good opportunities for such trials." See 
Agtl. Dept. Report, 1875, p. 437. 

It appears to me there are many places in the United States 
where the llama and alpaca, could be made to thrive equally as 
well as in their native country, and in view of the remarkable 
success that has attended the introduction of the Angora goat 
in our country, notwithstanding the many failures in other conti- 
nents, it would certainly seem to justify the appropriation of a 
few thousand dollars upon the part of our government in mak- 
ing an' experiment that is likely to result in so much general 
good. It is hardly reasonable to expect individuals to take this 
risk in the face of so many apparent failures in other countries. 
It is not known, in fact, that the experiment of the Hon. Francis 
Thomas was a failure or not. This gentleman seems to have 
died soon after he brought the stock from Peru, and placed 
them on his farm in Maryland. It is more than likely his heirs 
were not in sympathy with him in the enterprise and paid little, 
or no attention, to the animals after his death and permitted 
them to die for want of proper attention. The same fate might 
have followed our experiment with the "Angola" goat. Dr. J. 
B. Davis of South Carolina, brought over from Turkey the first 
of these in 1849. and died not many years after. If he had not 
succeeded in placing them in the hands of a gentleman of the 
public spirit and enterprise of Col. Richard Peters of Georg::., 



478 Appendix. 

we would not today be enjoying the fruits from our "Angora 
Goat Industry." Col. Peters practically founded this industry 
at the risk of a considerable sum of money in an early day when 
we could hardly expect our government to take part in any such 
matter; but, in this day and time it is unreasonable to expect in- 
dividuals to risk their capital in an enterprise that is calculated 
to be of national benefit, which the successful introduction of 
the Alpaca would certainly result in. 

An experiment of this nature can be carried out with reas- 
onable assurance of success, and it is to be hoped that Congress 
will be generous enough to make the necessary appropriation 
to import, say one hundred females with a sufficient number of 
males and distribute them either in the hands of individuals in 
our Rocky Mountain districts, where they are more than likely 
to thrive, or divide them up in several parcels and place them 
in charge of the Experimental Stations in such States as may 
seem best. 



A Pamper orv 

the 

Ibex 

of Asi^L . 



PLATE XLIII. 




THE IBEX. 

It is claimed by some naturalists that the Angora goat 
originated from a cross between the "Ibex" and "Domestic 
Goat," an opinion however that appears to have very little sup- 
port beyond the fact that the animal is ([uite common in Asia, 
and if taken when young can be easily tamed. 

According to Tschudi 

"Young tamed Ibexes were frequently driven to the mountains, along 
with the goats in whose company they would afterwards voluntarily 
return. Even wild specimens have been known to stray among the 
herds of goats although, strange to say, they at all times shun the society 
of the chamois." 

This, together with the fact that the two animals grow 
"beards." and the "horns" are somewhat of the same nature, 
would seem to constitute the only ground for such an opinion. 
In order that the reader can form his own judgment upon this 
subject, (although I do not regard it as being of any material 
importance). I have taken the following description of the animal 
from the Encyclopedia Britannica, together with the accompany- 
ing illustration as shown in plate XLIII. 

" 'Ibex' is the common name of several closely allied species of 
ruminant mammals, belonging to the genus capra, or goats, inhabit- 
ing the loftiest regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The European 
ibex, or steinboc, capra ibex, abounded during the middle ages among 
mountain ranges of Germany, Switzerland, and the Ural, but has since 
disappeared from the greater part of this area, being now ?lmost wholly 
confined to the Alps, which separate Valais from Piedmont, and to the 
lofty peaks of Savoy, where its continued existence is mainly due to the 
action of protective game laws. The Ibex is a handsome animal meas- 
uring about four and a half feet in length, and two and a half feet high; 
its skin is covered in summer W'ith a short fur of an ashy grey colour, and 
in winter with much longer yellowish-brown hair, concealing a dense 
fur beneath. A short beard is present in the male in winter, but, as 
it disappears altogether in spring, Darwin regards this appendage as 
rudimentary. The horns, especially in the male, form a striking feat- 
ure; rising from the crest of the skull, they bend gradually backwards, 



^82 Appendix. 

attaining a length, in old specimens of about two feet; they are thick 
and flat, and have the anterior face ridged with knotty transverse bands. 
In the female, the horns never exceed half a foot in length, and are much 
less rugose than in the male. The front legs are somewhat shorter than 
those behind, which enables the Ibex to ascend the mountain slopes 
with more facility than it can descend, while its hoofs, according to 
Tschudi, are 'as hard as steel, rough underneath, and when walking 
■over a flat surface, capable of being spread out.' These, together with 
its powerful sinews, enable it to take prodigious leaps, to balance itself 
on the smallest foothold, and to scale almost perpendicular rocks. The 
Ibex lives habitually at a greater height than the chamois, or any other 
of the Alpine mammals, its vertical limit being the line of perpetual 
snow. There it rests in sunny nooks during the day, descending at 
night to the highest woods to graze, and retiring at sunrise to its snowy 
fastnesses. This return journey forms the Ibex hunter's opportunity. 
To get within gunshot the huntsman has usually to approach from 
above; accordingly, he ascends to the limit of perpetual snow, and there 
passes the night among the daily haunts of the Ibex, lying in wait 
from early dawn for its return. The Ibexes are gregarious, feeding in 
herds of ten to fifteen individuals; the old males, however, generally 
live apart from, and usually at greater elevations than, the females and 
young. They are said to give out a sharp whistling sound, not unlike 
that of the chamois, but, when greatly irritated, or frightened, they make 
a peculiar snorting noise. The period of gestation in the female is 
ninety days, after which she produces, usually at the end of June, a 
single young one, which is able at once to follow its mother. These, 
when caught young, and fed on goat's milk can, it is said, be readily 
lamed; and, in the sixteenth century, young tamed Ibexes were, accord- 
ing to Tschudi, frequently driven to the mountains along with the goats, 
in whose company they would afterwards voluntarily return. Even 
wild specimens have thus been known to stray among the herds of goats, 
although, strange to say, they at all times shun the society of the cha- 
mois. The Ibex was formerly hunted largely for its flesh and skin; 
but, although the latter, owing to its scarcity, now commands a high 
price, the difficulty arising from the operation of the game laws, and 
above all the difficulty and danger, inseparable from the sport, have 
reduced the number of hunters, to a few hardy mountaineers, who find 
in the pursuit of the Ibex, the keenest enjoyment of life. For weeks, 
the sportsman will follow a track across fields of ice, along narrow 
ledges, over precipices, and across chasms, nearly frozen to death at 
night, and often with little more than a crust of bread for sustenance, 
yet considering himself more than repaid by the sight, at last, of his 
prey grazing within range of his rifle. Its flesh is said to resemble mut- 
ton, but has a flavour of game." Ency. Brit. Vol. XII, p. 605. 



For mulaL 

for Dressirvg the Arvgora. 

GoQLt Skin 



Index 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Abortion in Angora does 381 

Abrams. J. V.. reference to, by Col. W. W. Haupt 76 

Acorns, reference to '2SG, 38j!, 389, 416 

Age of Angora goats 67, 432 

—How to tell 37-2 

Aiken, Hon. D. Wyatt, reference to 243 

Alabama, reference to Angora goat industry in 96 

"Albany Times," extract from concerning "Davis" goats 202 

Alder brush, reference to 359, 366 

Allen, Col. Richard, letter from concernmg early "Davis" goats.... 19? 

Allen, L. A., reference to 446, 448 

Allshorn, Dr. Adolph H., reference to goat's milk 289 

Alpaca, first manufacture of in England 122 

— Imported into England 123 

— Extent of production in Peru 123 

Alpaca, and Llama, description of 467 

— Reference to introduction of, into United States 472 

— Experiments in acclimating 473, 474, 475 

— Fleece of 476 

— Age of • 476 

Ambler, Dr. D. C, first to introduce Angoras into New York 69 

American Angora Goat Breeders' Association, reference to 446 

American Angora goat record, reference to 447 

"American Farmer," reference to concerning Llamas and Alpacas. . 472 

American Institute, report of concerning "Davis" goats 191 

Angora, and Cashmere, goats, experiments in crossing 458 

— Opinion of Sir Samuel Wilson on crossing 459 

— Reference to 187, 19 1 

"Angora," Col. Richard Peters decides on name of the "Davis" goats 198 

Angora goat, when, where, and how, did it originate 25 

— First mention of -^ 

— Dr. Hayes' opinion as to introduction in Asia Minor -i 

— Jno. S. Harris' opinion as to origin 29 

Angora goat, distribution of, into other countries ■ . 34 

— Reference to, by M. Tournefort • ■ 34 

— Reference to, by M. de la Tour d'Aigues 34 

— Introduction of into Spain and France 34 

— Embargo placed on exportation of. from Turkey 36 



iv. Index. 

PAGE 

— In Canada 39 

— Early variety, character of 41, 91, 187 

— Importations of, into the United States 48 

— Ancient custom of bathing them in wine 91 

— Ears, character of 91 

— Number of, in different States 104 

— Impossible to sell in large numbers, for slaughter 114 

— Feeding of, for market 155 

— Pure-bred variety extinct 178 

— In Turkey nearly all are cross-breeds 178 

— Difference in 181 

— Dr. John Bachnlan's reference to 196 

— Pure-breeds, opinions as to what point it has 213, 214, 215 

—Age of, how to tell 372 

— Milking ciualities 281 

' — Difference between it, and sheep, as to meat 375 

— Skins, how to dress with the hair on 485 

— Estimate of the value of in Turkey 445 

— Estimate of shearing capacity in Turkey 445 

Angora skins, tariff on 166 

— How they are graded in market 147 

— How to prepare them for market 147 

Angora lace trimming, reference to 127 

Angora, province of, description of 31 

Angora venison, as a salable product 154 

— And mutton, compared, as to value 151, i55, 156 

— Different from common goat meat 158 

Arizona, reference to Angora industry in 93 

— Notes of breeders in 434 

— Reference to territory 302 

Arkansas, reference to Angora industry in 96 

Arlington Mills, reference to, by Dr. Hayes 128 

Armstrong, J. D., reference to 371 

Arnold, Brothers, one of the early breeders in Texas 76 

.A-rnold goats, reference to 332 

Arnold, J. M. statment of, concerning his Angora goats 316 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 404, 433 

— Remarks of, concerning non-shedding Angoras 226 

Arsenic, as a remedy for lice on goats 383 

Ash brush, reference to 360 

Asiatic goats, reference to by Dr. Jno. Bachman 196, 197 

— Skins of, reference to 16£ 

Asiatic mange, reference to ' 378 

Asia Minor, reference to, by Jno. S. Harris 91 



Index. V. 

PAGE. 

"Atlanta Constitution," extract from conccrninr; "Davis"' goats.. 60 

— Extract from -255 

Austria, reference to Angora goat industry in 110 

— Introduction of the Llama, and Alpaca into 475 

Babb, Rev. D. S., one of the early Texas breeders 76 

— Statements from, concerning his Angora goats 316- 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 40-2, 433 

"Babb," goats, reference to 319 

Bachelder, Hon. N. J., letter from concerning land in New Hampshire "296 

— Reference to Angora goat industry, in New Hampshire 95 

Bachman, Dr. John, opinion about Angora meat 155 

— Report of, on "Davis" goats 195, 196' 

— Extract from writings of 232, 240 

Bailey, C. P., importations made by, from South Africa.... 51, 84 

— Statement from, concerning his Angoras 331 

— Reference to mohair grown by 332' 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 415, 434 

"Bailey," goats, reference to 320;, 327, 328, 332, 335, 339, 340. 436 

Bailey, Hon. J. W., reference to abandoned-farms in Maine 295 

Baird, Prof. Spencer F., description of Rocky Mountain goat 463 

Bakewell, Robt., reference to.' ; 448 

Barnes, Almont, concerning available pasturage in United States.... 302. 

— Reference to bulletin concerning, goats 108 

Barnette, J. R., statement from, concerning his Angoras 339 

! — Notes from on practical breeding 423, 434 

"Barnes," reference to clearing with goats 351 

Barrett, Dr. M., experience' in breeding in Virginia 66 

Bass-wood, reference to clearing, with goats 356 

Baylor, Geo. W., remarks on non-shedding Angoras, etc 228 

—Reference to Col. W. D. Parish . 78 

— Statement from, concerning his Harris & Baylor goats 310^ 

— Associates with Jno. S. Harris. 92 

i — Reference to transfer of goats rfrom Idaho, by Jno. S. Harris. 339 

— Notes from on practical breeding. 406, 433 

Beard of Angora goat, reference to 214, 260 

Belon Father, first mention of the Angora goat 26 

Bell, Hon. C. J., letter from concerning Angot;as in Vermont 95 

— Concerning lands in Vermont.-. ... 296 

Bells, number of, to use on a f\ock-.-»Q . ..-r?. ...^.'. •■ ; 392 

— Advantage of ...,.■ .y{„„,. ,,.>,.,„. 392 

— Reference to ..:::. .\ ......... 430 

Berry, Wm., reference to sheep industry. , . 442 

Bevington, Dr., of Iowa, reference to 101 



vi. Index. 

PAGE 

Bible, references in 263, 264, 266 

5 — Testimony concerning the goat, and, hair of 25, 117 

"Billy," reference to use of term 263, 264, 265 

Bill, James A., statement from, concerning his Angoras 344 

— Concerning Angora goats in Cormecticut 96 

— Reference to clearing brushy land 370 

— -Notes from on practical breeding 430, 435 

Binns H. O., observations on cross-breeding in Turkey 177 

— ^On diiTerent types of Angora goats 181 

— On original type of the Angora goat 187 

— Opinion of, as to pure-bred Angoras 213 

—Reference to 232, 265 

Black, Mrs. N. P., reference to the transfer of the "Peters" goats. . 62 

Blackburn, A., reference to clearing brush with goats 360 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 411, 433 

— Goats raised by, commended 324 

— Statement from, concerning his Angoras 324 

Black Hickory, reference to clearing with goats 356 

Blood, controlling influence of, in developing 186 

Boer goa.t, subject to scab in South Africa 378 

—Reference to , 179 

Bokara, goats of, described by Jno. S. Harris 28 

Booth, I. J., reference to clearing brush land 356 

— Notes from on practical breeding 422, 433 

Boston, reference to Angora goats in 47 

Boulier, M., observations on cross-breeding 253 

— Reference to losses of pure-blooded stock in Turkey 216 

— Reference to terms applied to goats 265 

Box-wood, reference to clearing with goats 366 

Boyden, Jno. A., one of the early breeders in North Carolina 193 

Branding, reference to the practice of 399 

Brannin, S. S., reference to 304, 464 

— Reference to climate of Montana 93 

— Statement from, concerning his Angoras 339 

— Notes from on practical breeding 427, 434 

— Lfetter from, concerning Rocky Mountain goat 241 

Brandt, M., description of Cashmere goat 27 

I — Description of a pure-bred Angora 213 

Bradford, England, erection of A-Iohair mills in 123 

Brahmin bull, imported by Dr Davis 206 

Breeding, original Angora goats only bred one kid 42 

— Observations on, by Col. J. Wash Watts 54 

— Observations on, by Col. Richard Peters 64 

— Notes from practical breeders 403 to 435 



Index. vii. 

PA( B 

— Table showing results of -269 

— Period, reference to 388 

— On the open range 391 

— Number of days customary 391 

— Seasons for different sections 402 to 437 

—By hand 388 

Bri ish Columbia, adaptabil ty of, in i aisiny Au^oias 40 

British Goat Society, reference to 288 

Broadbent, Sir Wm., observations of, about milk 289 

Bromley, Mr. , of Utah, reference to 340 

Brown, John, reference to Col. W. D. Parish 78 

— Remarks of concerning- non-shedding Angora 226 

— Statement from, concerning his Angoras 315 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 402, 433 

Brown, D. J., remarks of concerning- Cashmere goats 455 

— Reference to crossing the Cashmere and Angora 458 

— Description of the Llama, and Alpaca lo7 

Brush, serious nature of 20 

—Reference to clearing,.. 98, 101, J 02, 351, 355, 356, 359, 360, 

361,<362, 365, 366, 367 

— Reference to the cost of clearing 352 

— Reference to number of goats required 355, 350. 360 

— Equal to "peaches and cream," to a goat "21 

— Opinion of Dr. Dayis, relative to the South 22 

— Observations about, by Col. Robt. W. Scott 64 

— Goats commonly used to clear, in Oregon 84 

— Reference to, in Illinois 94 

Bruner, T. K., reference to industry in North Carolina 93 

Buck, C. M., reference to 343 

'Buck." reference to the term 263, 265 

Bucks, how to decide on. opinions of breeders 222 

— Reference to selecting "227, 228, 248 

— Essential features in 249, 259 

— Cheap, reference to 260 

—Cost of -260, 269, 272 

— Proper number for breeding 271, 272. 388, 391 

— Reference to bre ;ding season 388 

— When to remove buck-kids from flock 388 

— How to manage, in breeding 388 

— Keeping of, after season of breedmg 391 

Buck-brush, reference to clearing 347, 351, 355, 367 

Buck-eye, reference to clearing 365 

Burdette-Coutts, Baroness, reference to 288 

Burr-oak, reference to clearing 348 

Butter, from goat's milk 284 



"viii. Index. 

PAGE 

California, notes from breeders in 434 

— Reference to first importation of Ang'oras into 79 

Camp-rustler, reference to 393 

Camping outfit for shepherds 272 

Canada, adaptabih.tv of, to the Angora goat 39 

Canada, J. H., reference to 347 

Canada thistle, reference to clearing with goats 347 

Cannon's dip, as a remedy for screw worms 379 

Cantrell, Ari, introduction of Angoras into Oregon 84 

— Reference to ..... 327 

Cape Colony, first introduction of Angoras, into 35 

— Places export duty on Angora goats 105 

— Reference to increase in mohair product 246 

Carbolic dips, for lice on Angoras 383 

Carcass of Angora, difference in size of.' 212, 217 

—Reference to 241, 259 

Carding Mohair, what constitutes 142 

Care and management of Angoras, chapter on 384 

Carolina, North, reference to Angora industry in 93 

Carolina, South, Dr. Davis' opinion of Mohair grown in 46 

— First to handle the Angora in the United States 52 

Cartledge, E, reference to 294 

Cashmere goat, reference to by Dr. Hayes 27 

— Reference to by Jno. S. Harris 86 

— Reference to by several committees 192 

—Weight of fur produced 198, 202 

— In possession of J. C. Hightower 198 

— Letter from Col. Richard Allen, relative to 199 

— Extracts from newspapers relating to 199, 201 

— Exchanged by Dr. Davis with Earl of Derby 206 

— A paper on 455 

— ^Description of by D. J. Browne 455 

— Descripton of by S. Holmes Pegler 456 

— ^Dr. Davis' opinion on 455 

Cashmere, wool, reference to manufacture of in England 457 

— Opinion of Sir Samuel Wilson on 457 

— Experiments in crossing with Angora 458 

• — Dr. Davis' experiments in crossing 459 

—Great value of 199, 201, 202, 203, 204 

—How gathered 199, 202, 207 

Cashmere, or Angora 187, 197 

Cashmere shawls, reference to manufacture of 125 

•Cashmsre and Thibet wool , 181, 196 

Castrating, when, and how, it should be done 399 

Cattle and sheep, receipt of for 33 years in Chicago 158 



Index. ix. 

PAGE 

Coyote, reference to 39!) 

Cedar brush, reference to clearing 366 

Census of Angora goats, in the United States 103 

— Letter from H. M. Williamson, concerning 105 

— Letter from Wm. R. Payne, concerning 103 

Chamberlain, T. L., reference to 343 

Chapparell, black, reference to clearing o. i 

Cheap bucks, reference to 260 

Cheese, reference to -84 

Chew, R. B., reference to 299 

Chenery, Winthrop W., experience with Angoras in Massachusetts.. 70 

"Chenery"' goats, reference to 331, 442 

Cherry, brush, reference to clearing 356, 360, 361 

Chicago Live Stock Commission Co., letter from 156 

Chicago meat packers unwilling to buy Angoras 114 

Chilton, Jos. R., committee report on "Davis" goats 191 

Chinese goat skin rugs 168 

Chute for cutting out goats, how to make 393 

— System used by W. G. Hughes 435 

Circassian goat, reference to 455 

Citus, small, reference to clearing 361 

Claggett, W. D., observations on clearing brush 361 

— Statement from concerning his Angoras 323 

— Notes from, on practical breeding ^13, 433 

^'Claridges Farmer," extract from 300 

Claridge, R. R., reference to 76 

Clearing brush land, reference to 351, 355-6, 359 to 362, 36o to 367 

—Estimate of cost of 352, 359, 367, 368, 269 

—Number of goats required 355, 356, 359. 360, 361, 366, 371 

— Length of time required 361, 362, 365 

Cleveland, Hon. Grover, removes tariff on Mohair 162 

Climate of United States, adaptibility of, to the Angora goat 47 

Climatic influence on goats 182, 185, 191, 381 

Clipping machines, reference to 395 

"Coarse Mohair," what constitutes 142 

Coast Mohair Association, reference to 323 

Cockle-burr, reference to clearing 371 

Colorado, reference to 94, 294, 302 

Colored ^Mohair, reference to 396 

Colored kids, reference to by practical breeders 403 to 435 

Colored Angoras in Turkey, reference to 178 

■"Combing Mohair," what constitutes ^ 141 

Combination sale of Angora goats, reference to. 447 

— Advantages of the system :, . 448 

Commercial features of the industry T. . 133 



X. Index. 

PAGE 

Committee reports on "Davis" goats 191, 192, 193 

Conolly, Capt., description of manner of manufacturing Alohair.... US 

— Reference to 232 

Conklin Bros., letter from 223 

— Statement from conoeining- theii- Angoras 3:8 

— Reference to 328, 331, 442 

— i\otes from, on practical oreeding 414, 434 

— Reference to clearing brush land . 362 

Connecticut, reference to Angoras in 96 

— Reference to area adapted to Angoras in 297 

— Notes from breeders in 135 

Constantinople merchants, try to prevent export of Angora gor.cs.. 37 

Consumption, reference to disease 28!) 

Cooper's dip, recommended for lice on Angoras 383 

— Reference to by breeders 422, 4:J{i 

"Country Gentleman," extract from in 185G l!-9 

— Extract from concerning importation of Price Maurice 50 

Corn, as a feed for fattening Angoras 375 

Corrals, when necessary 392 

— How to construct 393 

— How much to feed 375 

Cost of bucks, reference to 260 

Cost of keeping Angoras, opinions from breeders 403 to 435 

Cotton seed meal, and hulls, as a fattening feed 374 

— How much to feed 375 

Crab-apple brush, reference to clearing -.351, 367 

Cronch, Col. B. L., letter from 320 

— Remarks on non-shedding Angoras 228 

— Reference to clearing brush land 371 

— Notes from on practical breeding -06, 433 

— Reference to tariff on goats, and Mohair 406 

Cross-breeding, extract from Schreiner on 16 

■ — Observations of Col. J. Wash Watts on 54 

— In Asia Minor, encouraged by demand for Mohair 123 

— Dr. J. B. Davis' first experiments 177 

— Col. Richard Peters' expedience with 177 

— In Turkey 178 

— In oouth Africa 179, ld7 

— Dr. Davis' later experience 188 

— Report of Dr. Jno. Bachman on 195 

—Opinion of Col. Robt. W. Scott on 207 

—Opinion of Col. W. W. Haupt on 211 

— Statement concerning, by M. TchihatchefT 216 

Cross-breeding, chapter on 2^3 

Reference to, by Dr. Hayes 245 



Index. xi. 

PAGE 

—Reference to 246, 247, 240, 254 

— In Turkey, reference to 253 

Culling out old goats, reference to 390 

Cumberbatch, H. A., description of Province of Angora 31 

Cummings, Dr., reference to 328 

Currie, Sir Philip, permit granted, to export Angoras 8G 

Dakota, North, reference to Angora goat industry in 93 

— South, reference to Angora goat industry in 93 

— Reference to 3( I2 

Davenport, Col. B., introduces Angoras in Virginia 60 

Davis, Dr. J. B., opinion concerning brush land in the South 22 

— First to import Cashmere Goats to the United States 34 

—Portrait of 44 

— Biographical sketch of _ . . . 45 

— Opinion concerning stock best adapted to the South 46 

— Opinion concerning raising or Mohair in the United States... 46 

— Sale of pure-breeds to Col. Richard Peters 47 

— First experiment with crossing on common goats 52, 177 

— Concerning improvement in Cashmere goats 187 

— Reference to Cashmere goats 455, 459 

Davis, Col. Zimmerman, letter from 46 

— Letter concerning the "Davis" goats leo 

"Davis" goats, reference to 313, 343, 442, 459 

— Reports on, by committees 191, 192, 195 

— Not from Angora 2()(», 2(13 

— Microscopic examination of fleece of 200 

— Testimony of his daughter as to character of 205 

"Davis Cashmere goats," reference to 197, 199 

Darwin, Prof. Charles, on origin of goats 29 

— Extract from concerning breeding, etc 236. 239 

DeMoville, John A., reference to 300 

Derby, Earl of, introduction of Angora goats into England 34 

— Exchange made with Dr. J. B. Davis for Cashmeres 206 

Devine, J. P., reference to by Col. W. W. Haupt 71) 

— Observations of respecting climate of Texas 77 

'"Devine" goats, reference to 319, 320, 343. 442 

Diehl, Hon. Israel H., concerning climate of the United States.... 47 

— Reference to importation of Angoras in 1870 49 

— Reference to early breeders in the United States 67 

— Description of spinning Alohair in Turkey 118 

. — Reference to the manufacture of Mohair 124 

— Commissioned to visit Asia Minor 124 

— Reference to different types of Angoras 181 



xii. Index. 

PAGE 

— Opinion of as to pure-bred Angoras 215 

— Reference to 235 

— Reference to training and working goats 281 

— Reference to millving goats 281 

— Reference to cheese, and butter, from goats 284 

Diehl and Brown, importation of 48, 235 

— Reference to character of goats imported 49 

"Diehl and Brown," goats, reference to 442 

Dipping Angora goats, reference to 374, 382, 383 

— Opinions of breeders, on 402 to 435 

Dipping vat, where to locate, and how to construct 393 

Dips, kinds recommended 383 

Diseased cows condemned in Illinois 288 

Diseases, freedom from in Angora goats 195, 367, 355 

— Experience of Chas. S. Brown in New York 69 

— Chapter on 376 

— Mr. Tyson's experience 115 

— Reported in Oregon 380 

— Dr. M. Barrett's experience 67 

— Dr. With3'combe's opinion 380 

— Dr. McLeani's opinion 881 

— Experience of practical breeders 402 to 435 

Dissler, C, notes from on practical breeding 405, 433 

Docking, reference to 399 

Dodge, J. R., reference to importation by Price Maurice 50 

Does, how to select 248 

— When to cull out of breeding flock 390 

— That do not own their kids, how to manage 397 

Doe kids, when to begin breeding 388 

Doe, reference to term 263, 265 

Dogs, reference to ■. . 195. 200, 355, 387, 403. 416, 420 

— Not advisable to permit all herders to use 392 

— Raised by a doe very useful 392, 418 

— Experience of Wm. Richter with 416 

— Experience of E. R. Williams, with 418 

Dogwood brush, reference to clearing 355, 366 

Doughter & Luttrell, remarks on non-shedding Angoras 227 

— Statement from concerning their Angora goats ' 320 

— Notes from on practical breeding 405, 433 

Dougherty, L. B., experience with Angoras 426 

Dowell, O., statement from concerning his Angoras 323 

— Reference to clearing vip brush 359 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 410, 433 

Dressendorfer, George, reference to 343 



Iiidc.v. xiii. 

PAGE 

Dunison. James H., statement from concerning his goats 328 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 417, 434 

Dye, Hon. Franklin, concerning land in New Jersey 298 

Eamen, T. F., reference to 446, 448 

Early. J. B.. reference to 339 

— Associates with Jno. S. Harris 92 

Ears of the Angora, referred to by J. S. Harris 91 

— Remarks on by Mr. Schreiner 187 

— Remarks on by Dr. Jno. Bachman 196 

— Reference to style of 259 

—Reference to 213, 214, 215, 216, 259 

"Eastern Province Herald," extract from 36 

Edwards, Hon. A. H., letter from concerning brush clearing 348 

• — Notes from on practical breeding 422, 433 

Elberst. B. F., reference to 102, 446, 448 

Elder brush, reference to clearing 355, 360, 361 

Elder ash, reference to clearing 366 

Elliott, W. H., committee report, on "Davis" goats 191 

Elm brush, reference to clearing 356 

Emnott, Jno. M.. reference to 138 

England, first introduction of x^ngoras into 34 

Eutichedes, A., importation of Angoras into the United States 49 

—Reference to 323, 328 

—Reference to 378, 422 

Evans. J. B., reference to Angoras owned bj^ 180 

Evans, Tom S.. remarks concerning non-shedding Angoras 227 

— Statement from concerning his Angoras 320 

— Notes from on practical breeding 408, 433 

"Ewe," reference to term as applied to goats 263, 265 

"Examiner." of Gallatin, Tenn., extract from 203 

Expense of keeping goats 2G9, 272, 273 

Experiments in acclimating the Llama end Alpaca 473 

Exportation of Angoras prohibited in Turkey 36 

Failure of industry in ^Missouri, reference to 68 

Farms abandoned, reference to 295, 296 

Farr Alpaca Co., reference to 128 

Faure, Sir P., opposes Cape Colony export duty 108 

Featherstone. R.. reference to Angoras bred by 180 

Feeding Angora goats, reference to by E. R. Johns 155 

— For market 374. 375 

— During the winter 389 

•—Reference to by practical breeders 402 to 435 



xiv. Index. 

PAGE 

deeding milch goats, reference to "280 

Fences, reference to by Col. Robt. W. Scott 64 

—Reference to 351, 368, 387 

— Reference to. b}' practical breeders 4U"2 to 435 

Korn brush, reference to clearing 360, 361, 36',-' 

Fibre of mohair, difference in 180 

Fiji Islands, first introduction into 35 

Fink & Co., reference to im.portation from South Africa 51 

Fink, Henry, statement from about his Angoras 319 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 404 to 433 

"Fink goats," reference to 320 

Fir brush, reference to clearing 359 

Finnegan, John & Co., reference to 138 

Fiske, L. S. & Co., reference to 138 

Fleeces, weight of original goats imported by Harris 91 

— Average weight of in different States 104 

— Classification of in different States 104 

— Difference in Turkey 187 

— Difference in South Africa 187 

— Value of early American 192 

— Reference to by Dr. John Bachman 197 

— Of Cashmere goat, weight of 200, 202 

— Of pure Angoras, opinions on 213, 216 

—Reference to 229, 230, 256 

— Of breeding sire 259 

— Weight of, reference to ; 267 

Flesh of Angoras, superior to mutton ■ 195 

Flint & Sargent, importation into California 83 

t locks, size of in Oregon 84 

— Proper number of goats for 390 

— Mixed, objection to 390 

— Reference to sizes, by practical breeders 402 to 435 

Food, influence of, in developing animals 186 

Foot-rot, reference to 379 

— Remedy for 379 

— Reference to by Wm. M. Landrum 403 

— Reference to by Jno. M. Arnold 404 

Foreman, C. W., reference to 328 

Formula for dressing Angora skins 485 

Foster R. C, concerning Davis' Cashmere goats 199 

Fox ears, reference to 259 

France, first introduction of Angoras .into 34 

Franz, Henry, reference to 3-^3 



Index. XV. 

PAGE 

Fuclis. H. T.. statement from about his Angoras 319 

— Notes from on practical breedisg 408, 433 

— Opinion concerning non-shedding Angoras 225 

Full-blood Angoras, reference to 212 

—Use of, injured the industry at the start 110 

Full-blood vs. pure-bred 248, 248, 2,50, 251, 254, 255, 256 

Fulmer, F. S., experience in Virginia 66 

Furs, made out of goat skins 148 

Fur, from Cashmere goat, how gathered 199, 202, 207 

Galbraith. FI. W., statement from about his Angoras 319 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 403, 433 

Garrett, J. W., statement from, about his Angoras 320 

• — Notes from on practical breeding 407, 433 

Garnett, L. G., reference to 85 

Garrard. W. C., reference to Angoras in Illinois 94 

Garst, Frank, reference to 85, 320, 343 

— Letter from giving his experience with Angoras 436 

Garvin, Hon. J. B., letter from concerning land in West Virginia.. 299 

Gatherall, Garvin, on climatic influence in Turkey 182 

Gatherall. George, letter concerning shipment to South Africa in 1895 36 

— Reference to 446 

— Reference to cross-breeding in Turkey 253 

Georgia, reference to Angoras in 47 

— Second State to handle Angora goats 55 

— Reference to area in adapted to goats 303 

Geredah Angoras, imported by Col. Richard Peters 49 

Gestation, period of, in Angora goats 388 

Goats, Bible testimony concerning 25 

— Trained to work 281 

— Greek authors' testimony concerning 26 

—Tariff on 165 

Goe, General J. S., experience in Pennsylvania 69 

Gohl, Hon. T. S., letter from about land in Connecticut 297 

Goodrich, Charles J., committee report on "Davis" goats 192 

Gordan, C, F., reference to Angoras n Fiji Islands 35 

Grades of ]\Iohair, reference to 141 

— Should be made standard 141, 163 

—In Turkey 142 

Grading up Angoras, experience of J. C. P. McLendon 435 

Grady, Hon. Henry W., interview with Col. Peters 61 

Graves, E.. notes from on practical breedmg. 426, 434 

Gray & Gilmore, importation of Angoras into California 83 

Greasewood brush, reference to clearing 366 



xvi. Index. 

PAGE 

Green (W. W.) goats, reference to 3"28 

"Grubs," reference to cleaning 348 

Guadalupe Island, reference to, by Dr. Hayes 38 

— Reference to raising goats on 38, 230 

Gunzer Bros., reference to goats of 340 

Hair of the goat, Bible testimony, concerning 25 

— Greek Authors, testimony concerning 26 

Hair of the Angora, will not mix with common goat hair 174 

Hair, red camels,' reference to 191 

Hair, two kinds on one Angora : 191, 198, 207, 208 

— Opinions of breeders about 222 

— Microscopic examination of 201 

— Qur\y, indication of purity 213, 214 

Hall, Wm.. purchases Butterfield & Son s Angoras 89 

Hamilton, James R., letter concerning feeding Angoras 374 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 428, 435 

Hamilton, Hon. John, letter from about lands in Pennsylvania.... 297 

Hamilton, Jamess R., letter concerning feeding Angoras 374 

Hand-breedmg, reference to 388 

Hard-hack brush, reference to cleaning 366 

Hardy, Col. Wm., introduces Angora goats into Arizona 93 

Harland, Wm., reference to 328 

Harper, Ira, statement about his Angoras 339 

— Notes from on practical breeding 424, 434 

Harris. John S., opinion as to origin of Angoras 29 

— Account of journey into Caubmere 28 

— Reference to sample of 22-inch Mohair 39 

— Reference to Diehl & Brown importaton 49 

— Reference to exports of Angoras from Turkey 78 

— Biographical sketch of 86 

• — Reference to non-shedding Angoras 230 

■ — Concerning Idaho as a goat country 302 

— Statement from concerning his Angoras 339 

— Notes from on practical breeding 427, 434 

"Harris," goats, reference to 310, 331, 332, 442 

Harris & Baylor goats, reference to 319, 423 

Harris & Hall, importation of 49, 83 

Hassler, J. M., statement about his Angoras 327 

— Notes from on practical breeding 411, 433 

Hatcher, Wm., reference to feeding Angoras 382 

Haupt, Col. W. W., biographical sketch of 71 

— Letter referring to cross-breeding 211 

— Remarks on non-shedding Angoras 228 



Iiidcs. 



PAGE 

— Reference to cross-breeds 254, 255 

— Letter from concerning W. G. Hughes' goats 313 

— Notes from on practical breeding 405, 438 

"Haupt" goats, reference to 316, 442 

Hawley, J. H., reference to clearing land 360 

— Statement from about his Angoras 323 

— Notes from on practical breeding 412, 433 

Hayes, Dr. J. L., opinion concerning introduction of Angoras into 

Asia Minor 27 

— Opinion of, concerning Cashmeres 27 

— Opinion why the industry did not succeed in the United States 109 

— Reference to Angoras in Australia 110 

— Reference to manufacture of Mohair 121 

— Reference to the applicaton of Mohair 126 

— Reference to the application of skins for rugs 127 

— Reference to pure-bred Angoras 213 

— Extract from book of 244 

— Reference to cross-breeding 255 

— Reference to the Alpaca and its congeners 473 

Hazel brush, reference to clearing. .351, 355, 356, 359, 360, 361, 365, 368 

Head, Dr. James M., reference to goat raised by 203 

Head of the Angora goat, opinions about 213, 214, 215, 216 

Heever, Hon. Van den, supports export duty in South Africa 107 

Henderson, Col., first importation to Cape Colony 35 

Herding goats, cost of 269, 273 

— Opinions from practical breeders 402 to 435 

— Loose, reference to 392 

— How it should be done 391 

Herder's outfit, reference to 272, 394 

—Rations 272, 394 

Hermans, E. J., letter concerning land in Washington 301 

Hickory brush, reference to clearing 355, 356, 367 

— Black, reference to clearing 356 

Hightower, J. C, statement from about his Angoras 332 

— Remarks on non-shedding Angoras 229, 230 

— Notes from on practical breeding 419, 434 

— Reference to Angoras with two coats of hair 198 

Hill, O. D., reference to 300 

— Statement from about his Angoras 344 

— Notes from on practical breeding 430, 435 

— Reference to clearing brush 370 

Hill, Albert J., letter from concerning British Columbia 40 

Hoag, Capt. J. ^Murray, letter from 102 

— Reference to clearing brush land 355 



xviii. Index. 

PAGE 

Hockley, Mr., opposes export duty in South Africa 108 

Hoerle, G. A., reference to importation by Fink & Co 51 

• — Reference to Angoras with two kinds of hair 208 

■ — Opinion of, as to point of a pure-breed 215 

— Reference to non-shedding Angoras 224 

Hogs, in same pasture with goats 387 

Holder, J. F., statement about his Angoras 339 

— Notes from concerning practical breeding 423, 434 

Hottins, S. B., certificate of merit about Dr. Standley mohair 161 

Holt, Lafayette, referring to Angoras in North Carolina 93 

— Statement about his Angora goats 344 

— Reference to clearing brush land 369 

— Notes from on practical breeding 431, 435 

Hooker, John L., reference to 343 

Horn, C. S., reference to clearing brush land 369 

— Reference to Angoras in Illinois 94 

Horn, Wm., statement about his Angora goats 339 

--Notes from on practical breeding 424, 434 

Horns of Angoras 187, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 259, 291 

Hornless Angoras, concerning buck imported 49 

—Reference to by S. S. McKibben 102 

—Reference to 216, 221-3, 225-8, 231-3, 336 

Houck, Geo. A., concerning industry in Oregon 84 

— Remarks on non-shedding Angoras 228 

■ — Statement from, about his Angoras 327 

— Reference to clearing land 3(jO 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 409, 433 

"Houck" goats, reference to 323 

Hughes, W. G., concerning advantages in Tennessee iVsJ^*^*^ 

— Statement from, about his Angora " Wr^^^ 

— Letter from, on practical breeding 437 

— Remarks on non-shedding Angora 226 

"Hughes" goats, reference to 327 

Hull, John, reference to 328 

Humphrey, Wm., reference to sheep industry 442 

Hunter, J. D., Notes from on practical breeding 408, 433 

Hutchins & Co., reference to 138 

Ibex, a description of 481 

Idaho, reference to 86, 294, 302 

Illinois, reference to Angoras in 47 

— Reference to industry now 94 

Importing Angora goats — how it may be done 445 

■ — Opinons of breeders on 402 to 435 



Index. xix. 

PAGE 

Importations of Angora goats into the United States 48, 49, 51 

Importations from South Africa SI 

Incidental, or by-products of Angora goats 276 

Increase, estimate in breeding, by Sir Sam's Wilson 112 

Increase, percentage of, opinions of breeders 4U2 to 435 

In-breeding, reference to 259 

Indiana, reference to Angora goats in 95 

Indian Territory, notes from breeders in 435 

Industry in Angora, why it has been so backward 109 

— Dr. Hayes' opinion why it has not grown 109 

Index 489 

Iowa State fair, the system of, commended 18 

Iowa, reference to Angoras in, by Hon. I. H. Diehl 18 

— Notes from breeders in 433 

— Reference to industry at the present time 96 

Ivy, and laurel, injurious to Angoras 55 

"James' History of Worsted Manufacture," extract from 122 

Japan clover, observations of Col. J. Wash Watts 54 

Jarvis, William, reference to sheep industry 442 

Jastremski, Hon. Leon, letter from, about Louisiana 301 

Jaubert, Mons., concerning Cashmere goats in France 458 

Jewett, Hon. Wm. J., concerning Angoras in Turkey 445 

Johns, A, L.. letter from, about Angoras in stock yards 155 

Johnson, O. O., reference to Angoras in North Dakota 93 

Johnson, R. C, reference to Angoras in Kansas 94 

— Statement from, concerning his Angoras 340 

— Reference to clearing brush land 366 

— Reference to fattening Angoras for market 375 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 429, 435 

— Connection with Angora Goat Breeders Asssociation 446, 448 

Johnson, R. P., committee report on "Davis" goats 192 

Johnson, Cuthbert W., reference to milking 284 

Kansas, reference to Angoras in 47, 94 

— Notes from breeders in 435 

Kemp, reference to 211, 227, 229, 230, 248, 250, 256 

Kentucky, reference to Angoras in 47 

Kennedy, John, letter from, concerning non-shedding Angoras 231 

Kennedy, Chas. F., letter from, about Angoras in Indiana 95 

Kids, two at a birth due to crossing 187 

—Reference to, by Dr. John Bachman 196 

— That do not shed first hair 222 

—Number at a birth 388 

— When they should come / 388 



XX. Index. 

PAGE 

• — Reference to weaning '. . 390 

— Reference to marking with paint 397 

— Twins, how to manage 397 

— Reference to staking 397, 4"29 

— Reference to penning 397, 4"29 

— When to be allowed to go with flock 397 

— Estimate of increase of, by breeders 402 to 435 

— Crooked and deformed 41(3, 418 

"Kid," reference to term 263, 265 

Kid Skin, reference to 276> 

Kidding season, reference to 384 

— Hogs should be removed from pasture 387 

— How to regulate work during 396 

— Reference to, by Col. Robt. W. Scott 64 

— Original Angora, only had one 42 

Kitching & Bicknell, reference to 138, 338 

Knapp, B. S., reference to 343 

ivoiner, Hon. Geo. W., letter from concerning land in Virginia 299 

"Kurd" goat, Peglar's description of 26 

— Reference to, by M. Boulier 253, 254 

— Crossing with the Angora 42, 178 

Kypelogion, George, reference to 446 

Lace Trimming, reference to 279 

Lamp mats, reference to 279 

Landrum, Wm. M., reference to Guadalupe Island 38 

— Shears an Angora having 22-inch mohair 39 

— Reference to Chenery importations 48 

— Reference to Diehl & Brown importation 49 

^Reference to A. Eutichides importation 49 

— Reference to importation of Geredah goats 49 

— Reference to Harris & Hall importation 49 

— Biographical sketch of 79 

— Remarks on non-shedding Angoras 227 

— Reference to 230, 232 

— Reference to hornless Angoras 233 

— Reference to Asiatc scab 378 

— Statement from, concerning his Angoras 316 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 403, 433 

•'Landrum" goats, reference to 316, 319, 320, 324, 332, 339, 423, 442 

Landrum & Butterfield, reference to 327 

Landrum & Rodgers, reference to 327 

Laurel, mountain, reference to 360, 365, 366 

Laurel, poison, reference to 369 

Laurel and Ivy, reference to 55 



Index. xxi. 

PAGE 

Lea. Overton, reference to 300 

Leafe. R. B., first introduction of Angoras on Fiji Islands 35 

Lee. Dr. R. J., reference to goat's milk 290 

Lee, C. C, opposition to export duty in South Africa 106 

— Reference to Angora goat owned by 181 

Ledger, Charles, reference to Llama and Alpaca 47o 

Lice, on Angoras, reference to 374, 382 

— Dippng for, opinions of breeders 402 to 435 

Lime and Sulphur, reference to 378, 383 

Linde, J. C. & Co.. reference to 138 

Linton, R. J., statement from, about his Angoras 332 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 1:18, 134 

Lippincut. A., statement from, about his Angoras 843' 

— Reference to clearing brush 367 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 426, 434 

Llama shawls, reference to 127 

Llama and Alpaca, description of 467 

Lobo, reference to 399 

London wool market, reference to 153 

Lop ears, reference to 259 

Losses, reference to 268 

— Estimates of by practical breeders 402 to 435 

Louisiana, reference to Angora goats in 96 

— Reference to lands in 301 

Lowry, R. H., one of the early breeders in Texas 76 

— Remarks on non-shedding Angoras 228 

• — Statement about his Angora goats 319 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 407, 433 

Luckie, W. F., reference to non-shedding bucks 224 

Lung sickness, reference to 376 

Maasdorp, Hon. G. H., opposes export duty in South Africa . .. .106, 107 

Madrone saplings, reference to 365 

Maine, reference to Angoras in 95 

— Number of mohair mills in 130' 

— Reference to area in. suitable for Angoras 295, 303 

Maltese goats, reference to 243, 247, 255, 436 

Mange, reference to 378 

Manufacture of mohair, in Asia Minor 117 

— Described by Hon. Israel H. Diehl 118 

— Reference to, by Dr. J. L. Hayes 121 

— Reference to, in England 121 

— In the United States 1-3 

— In the Unted States, encouraged by Hon. Isaac Newton 124 

— Application of products 1-*^ 



xxii. Index. 

PAGE 

Manure, reference to 286, 355 

Manzanita brush, reference to 365 

Mapes, James J., committee report on "Davis" goats 192 

Maple, brush, reference to 365, 366 

— Fine, reference to 359, 361 

Market, concentrating on one 151 

Marking kids, with paint 397 

—How done 399 

—To tell age of 399 

—To tell sex of '. 399 

Marshall, H. B., reference to non-shedding Angoras 228 

— Notes from, on practical breeding , 407, 433 

Maryland, refererbce to Angora goats in 47 

— Reference to Angora goats in, by Hon. Geo. A. Porter 69 

— Reference to lands adapted to goats in 299 

Massachusetts, reference to Angoras in 47 

— Experience in, by W. W. Chenery 70 

— Extract from newspaper concerning abandoned farms in 70 

— Number of mohair mills in 130 

— Reference to lands, suitable for Angoras : 297 

Masters, Mr., statement from, about his Angoras 324 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 412, 433 

Masters. Rev. C. B., reference to 324 

Mastin. T. H., reference to 446, 448 

Matchings, reference to 143 

Maugher, M., letter concerning Jno. S. Harris 90 

Maurice, Price, reference to importations by 50 

Maxwell land grant farm, reference to 85, 436 

Maze, E., statement from, about his Angoras 331 

— Notes from on practical breeding 414, 433 

— Reference to clearing brush 362 

Meat of the Angora, opinion of Dr. Barrett 67 

— Superior to Mutton 1-54 

• — Opinion of Dr. Jno. Bachman 155 

— Report of committee on 195 

— Reference to 276 

Estimated value of 272 

Mesquite tree, reference to 370, 371 

Mexican goats, reference to 230, 243, 247, 268, 271 

Michigan, reference to Angoras in 47 

— Reference to industry at present 94 

"Midland News and Karoo Farmer," extract from lOfi 

Milk of goats, reference to, by Col. J. Wash. Watts 55 

—Great benefit of, with children . ■,, 289, 290 



Index. XJiiii. 

PAGE 

— Analysis of 285 

Milking qualites -281, 284, 287. 288, 425 

Miles, T. Glome, introduces Angoras into Montana 93 

— Statement from, about his .'\ngoras 339 

— Notes from, on practical breeding .427. 434 

Miller & Sibley, reference to clearing brush 369 

Minnesota, reference to Angoras in 47. 93, 368 

— Notes from Breeders in 434 

Missouri, notes from breeders in 434 

— Reference to Angoras in 47 

— Failure of industry in, cause of 68 

— Present condition of industry in 68 

INIississippi, reference to Angoras in 96 

Mohair, amount consumed in the world 138 

— Advantages of United States climate in producing 139 

— Estimated amount of, required by railroads for seats 140 

—How it is graded 14<), 141 

— Necessity for a national standard grade 141 

— How to determine value of 143 

— How manipulated by manufacturer 128, 143 

— Amount of noilage in Turkish 143 

— Amount of noilage in United States 143 

— Very coarse, used for dolls' hair, wigs, etc 143 

— Prices of, in England since 1856 144 

— Plow to j)repare for market 145 

— Overproduction of 160 

— Tarifif on 161 

— Spinning capacity of, compared with wool 164 

—Difference in 180, 181, 187 

— Length of, can be increased by breeding 174 

— Climatic influence on 182. 185, 191 

— Growing districts in Asia jMinor, table 183 

— Difference in lengths of 212, 214, 215 

— Difference in color 212 

— First shipment from Gape Golony 36 

— Superiority of American 4^ 

— Certificate of merit concerning Iowa mohair 101 

— Amount produced in diff'ercnt States 104 

— Manufacture of, in Asia Minor 117 

— Not allowed to be exported from Asia ]\Iinor 117 

— When first shipped into England 121 

— How the product was encouraged in Turkey 123 

—Products oi ■ 126 

— Great durability of products • • • 1-° 



Indeix 



PAGE 

— Amount consumed in the United States 130, 131 

—Imports into the United States from 1890 to 1894 '. . . 130 

—Where to sell 136, 138 

— Value of, governed by fashions 136, 139 

— Table of imports into England 137 

— Estimate of yield from 1,500 Angoras in ten years 269 

— How to sack for market 396 

— Greasy, or oily, remarks on by W. G. Hughes 226 

— Most salable length 259 

— Reference to market value of 272 

— In Turkey, what districts produce the best 434 

Montana, reference to 93, 294, 304 

— Range of, supposed to develop large frames 192 

"Montana Stockman and Farmer," extract from 304 

Montgomery, Ward & Co., reference to catalogue of 168 

Moon, A., statement from about his Angoras 331 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 418, 434 

Moore, Chas. T., reference to 343 

Morgan & Morgan, statement about their Angoras 336 

— Reference to clearing brush land 356 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 422, 433 

Morton, T. C.. statement from, about his Angoras 336 

— Reference to clearing brush 102, 356 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 422, 433 

Moses, reference to 263 

Mosenthall, A. & Co.. last importation into South Africa 38 

Mothers, how to manage a poor one 397 

Mountain Laurel, reference to 360, 365, 366 

Mufifs, reference to 279 

Mullin, reference to 356 

Murphy, T. A., reference to 343 

Mutton, growing demand for 157 

— Table of receipts at Chicago 157 

— Compared with cattle 157 

McCorkle, Mr., reference to 340 

McDonald, James, statement from, about his Angoras 324 

— Remarks on non-shedding Angoras 228 

— Reference to clearing brush 361 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 413, 433 

McDougall's dip, reference to 411 

Mclntire, W. T., reference to 446, 448 

McKee, Wm. R., statement about his Angoras 314 

— Reference to clearing land 371 

— Notes from on practical breeding 408, 433 



Index 



PAGE 

McKeen, B. Walker, letter from, about land in Maine 295 

— Letter from, about Angoras in Maine 95 

McKinley, Hon. Wm., restores tarifif on mohair 162 

INIcKibben, S. S.. reference to Angoras in Iowa 102 

— Reference to hornless Angoras 102, 235, 443 

— Statement from, about his Angoraa 336 

— Reference to clearing brush 355 

— Reference to clearing farm of 348 

— Experience in feeding Angoras 375 

—On effects of climate 381 

— Notes on practical breeding 422, 433 

^IrLendon. J. C. P., concerning non-shedding Angoras 222 

— Letter from, concerning breeding 439 

JNIcLean. Dr.. opinion as to cause of death in many cases 381 

"Nanny." reference to term as applied to goats 263, 264, 265 

Nebraska, reference to Angoras in 93 

Nettle, reference to : 362 

Nevada, estimated number of Angoras ''n 85 

New Hampshire, reference to Angoras in 95 

— Reference to lands in 296 

New Jersey, number of mohair mdls in 130 

— Reference to lands in, suited to goats 298 

Nev, ^lexico. reference to 294, 302, 305 

— Eirst Angoras introduced into 85 

Newton, Hon. Isaac, reference to breeding Angoras in United States, 124 

— Reference to manufacture of mohair in United States 125 

— Reference to manufacture of Cashmere wool 125 

Newspaper extracts concerning "Davis" goats. 191 

New York, reference to Angora goats in 47 

— First Angoras introduced 69 

— Experience in, of Chas. S. Brown 69 

— Number of mohair mills in 130 

— State fair committee report on "Davis" goats 191 

— Reference to lands in. suited to goats 298 

Nillson. Chris., statement about his Angoras 340 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 428, 434 

Noila.ge. reference to 143 

Non-shedding Angoras 20o, 217. 218, 221, 223, 225-31, 443 

— On Guadulupe Island 39 

—Letter from J. C. P. McLendon 223 

— Letter from Conklin Bros 223 

— W. F. Luckie, experience 224 

— Geo. A. Hoerle, experience with 224 



xxvi. Index. 

PAGE 

Norcup, A. D., statement about his Angoras 335 

— Notes from, on practical breeding .420, 434 

North. S. N. D., reference to 130 

Notes from practical breeders 401 to 435 

Oak brush, reference to 356, 359, 360, 361, 368 

Oak, black, reference to clearing 365 

Oak, poison, reference to 360 

Oak, pin, reference to clearing 365 

Oak, live,' reference to 370, 371 

Oak, shin, reference to 370, 371 

Oaks, Jacob, statement about his Angoras 331 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 417, 434 

Qbye, Scott, statement about his Angoras 323 

— Reference to clearing brush land 361 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 410, 438 

Ofif-colored goats, reference to 209. 211, 212 

Ogden. Philo, statement about his Angoras 328 

— Notes from, on practical breeding . , 417, 434 

Ohio, reference to Angora goats in 47 

—Remarks of S. S. Williams 69 

Oklahoma, reference to Angoras in 94 

Onderdonk, Chas. S., letter from 85 

Onderdonk Live Stock Co., reference to 85 

— Statement from, about their goats 335 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 420 

Oregon, when the Angora was first introduced 84 

— Climate adapted to growing mohair 84 

— Angoras largely used for clearing land 84 

— Angora Goat Breeders' Association, officers of 85 

— Mohair clip of, opinion of H. M. Williamson 105 

—Reference to 294, 302, 360 

— Notes from breeders in 433 

"Oregon Agriculturist and Rural Northwest," extract from. .106, 295, 380 

Osage Orange hedge, reference to 64, 351 

Osborne, J. J., notes from, on practical breeding 418 

Outfit for shepherd 272 

Outram, Benj., reference to manufacture of Alpaca 122 

Overproduction, is there danger of 159 

Ozark Mountains, reference to 367 

Page's woven-wire fence, reference to 368 

Paine, Brig. -Gen. A. E.. opinion on Cashmere wool 08 

Paine, Hon. Thos. H., reference to lands in Tennessee 300 



Index. xxvii. 



Paiseley, Scotland, Cashmere wool exported to 192, 200. 203, 459 

Palmer, James B., reference to 344 

Parish, Col. W. D., purchase of t\\ o imported Angoras 49 

—Reference to, by Col. W. W. Haupt 76 

— Reference to, by Geo. W. Baylor 78 

— Made no direct importations from Turkey 78 

— His first Angoras referred to by Jno. S. Brown 78 

— As a factor in building up industry in Texas 78 

"Parish" goats, reference to 216. 314, 315, 316, 319, 443 

Pastures, how to manage goats in 384 

Pasturing goats with other stock, reference to 387 

Patterson, James, notes from, on practical breeding 405, 433 

Pauls, G., reference to 343 

Payne, Wm. R., letter concerning census of Angoras 103 

— Reference to mohair grown in the United States 105 

— Prominent factor in mohair trade 138 

— Extract from circular of 208 

Peach trees, reference to 369 

Peglar, S. H., description of Kurd goat 26 

— Opinion of, as to pure-bred Angoras 213 

— Reference to 289 

— Description of Cashmere .goat 456 

Pennsylvania, reference to Angoras in 47 

— Experience of Gen. J. S. Goe in 69 

— Experience of Dr. F. F. Robinson 69 

—Letter from Miller & Sibley 69 

— Number of mohair mills in 130 

— Reference to lands in, for goat raising 297 

Penning goats, reference to, by practical breeders 402 to 435 

Pens, for kidding, reference to 397 

Pepper, Jeff, statement from, about his Angoras 315 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 404 to 435 

Pepper, B. F., reference to 371 

Pepperwood brush, reference to 365, 366 

Persian goats, reference to 455 

Pets, reference to 280 

Peters, Col. Richard, goats, reference to 229 

— Extract from writings of 249 

— Reference to breeding grade bucks 250 

— Reference to terms applied to goats 265 

— Reference to 344, 477 

— Father of Angora goat industry 20 

— Purchases the "Davis" goats 47 



xxviii. Index. 

PAGE 

— Importation of Angoras 49 

— Biographical sketch of 55 

— Observations in breeding and handling fil, 63 

— Reference to, by Dr. Hayes 110 

— Experience with cross-breeding 177 

— Premium awarded to 192 

— Opinion as to breed of the "Davis" goats 197, 198 

— Opinion about shedding mohair 218 

"Peters" goats, reference to, by Dr. Jno. Bachman 195 

—Reference to 316, 319, 336, 343, 439, 442 

"Philadelphia Ledger," extract from about "Davis" goats 202 

Phillips, Jos., reference to 300 

Piles, reference to 381 

— Remedy for 381 

Place, Mr. W. H., observations about milk 286 

Plaster, Dr. P. C, observations about Angora 95 

Plush, amount required by railroads 140 

Plum brush, reference to 351 

Pleuro-pneumonia, epidemic in Cape Colony 376 

Poison Ivy, reference to 365, 370 

Poison Oak, reference to 365 

Poison laurel, reference to 369, 370 

Poisoning of goats, reference to 382 

— Remedy for 382 

Polled Angora goats 225 to 228, 231 to 233 

Pollonau, Mons, reference ro 458 

Pollonceau, Mons, reference to 458 

Poor, H. v., reference to plush used by lailroads 140 

Porter, Hon. Geo. A., reference to Angoras 69 

Poverty in winter, reference to 380 

Practical parts of the industry 171 

Prices of mohair in England since 1856 144 

"Presbyterian Herald," extract from 202 

Products from mohair 126 

— From mohair that are standard 131 

Profits on 1,500 Mexican does 269 

Profits on 1,500 Angora does 270 

Province of Angora, description of 31 

Puppy raised by a goat very useful 392 

Pure-bred vs. full-blood 248, 249, 250, 251, 254, 255 

Pushm, or fur, from Cashmeres 29 

Quatrefages, 31. de, reference to 245, 250 



Index 



PAGE 

Randall, Dr., reference to 245 

Range for goats, reference to 293, 294 

— Number of acres required for handling 389 

— How to handle on the open 389 

"Ram," reference to term as applied to goats 263, 265 

Rations for shepherds, cost of ■ 272 

Rattle-snake bites, reference to 382 

— Remedy for 382 

Rebeka, reference to 263 

Redwood, reference to 362 

Register for Angora goats, opinion of breeders 402 to 435 

— Chapter on 442 

Registration qualifications 447 

Regnault, Mons., analysis of milk 285 

Regsby, John, reference to 343 

Rennick, James, committee report on "Davis goats 191 

Rex, John, reference to goats owned by 180 

Rhode Island, number of mohair mills in 130 

Richter, Wm., notes from, on practical breeding 416, 434 

Rippey, J. R., letter from, concerning Missouri 68, 113 

Kocky Mountain goats, reference to 188, 241 

— Description of 463 

Rodgers, James M., reference to 83 

Rogers, Frank H., reference to 293, 294 

— Remarks on clearing brush 360 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 412, 433 

Rugs, made from Angora goat skins 150 

— Made from Chinese goat skins 168 

— Illustration of 277 

— Natural shaped 279 

Ruepple, Charles, reference to 343 

Ruime, R. H., reference to , . . . . 343 

Rusk, Hon. J. INI., reference to 151, 152, 157 

Rymerson, Col., reference to 436 

Sacking mohair, how it is done 396 

Saddle pockets, reference to 279 

Saddle girths, reference to 28G 

Saddle blankets, reference to 280 

Sallall, reference to 360 

Salmon berry brush, reference to 360 

Salt, Sir Titus, first importation of Angoras into England 34 

—Co-operates in building up South African industry 35 

—Benefits resulting from his enterprise 121 



XXX. Index. 

PAGE 

— First experiment with Alpaca ' 122 

— Erection of mohair inills in Bradford 123 

Salt, reference to the use of 384, 889 

Sargent Bros., reference to 339 

Scab, reference to 376, 378 

— Asiatic, reference to 378 

—Remedy for 378 

Schreiner, S. C, extract from, concerning crossing 16 

— Extract from, concerning early Angoras 41 

— Extract from, concerning Australia 50 

— On effects of crossing vith the common goat 187 

— Extract from, concerning hornless' goats 232 

— Remarks on pleuro-pn'eumonia 376 

— Concerning cross-breeding in Turkey 253, 254 

— Remarks on scab, in Cape Colony 378 

— Reference to terms applied to Angora goats 265 

— Remarks on South African Angor&s 444 

Schaffer, Dr. Geo. L-, microscopic examination of hair 200 

Scott, Col. Robt. W., observations of, on the Angora goat 64 

— Reference to, by Dr. Hayes 110 

—Description of Angora with two coats of hair 207 

— About shedding of mohair 218 

— Reference to full-bloods 255 

— Reference to kemp 256 

— Reference to terms applied to Angoras 265 

"Scott" goats, reference to 319, 336, 439, 442 

Scours, reference to 380 

—Remedy for 380 

Screw-worm, reference to 379 

^Remedy for " 379 

Seever, Wm. J., reference to industry in Missouri 68 

— Statement from, concerning his Angoras 343 

— Reference to clearing weeds . . . _. 367 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 426, 434 

Selecting does 248 

Shearing, observations of J. P. Devine in 1877 77 

—Goats 145 

— Importance of shearing machines 145 

— Capacity, reference to 260, 271 

—Reference to 271, 384 

— How regulated as to season 394 

— Twice a year, reference to 395, 402 to 435 

- — Gangs of Texas, system of 395 

— Machine, reference to •. . . . 395 



Index. xxxi. 

PAGE 

— Capacity of best Angoras in Turkey 445 

— Losses sustained by want of shelter, during 396 

— Sheds, • how to construct 396 

Sheds, reference to 375. 384, 390 

— Portable, reference to 390 

— For shearing, reference to 396 

Sheddnig goats, reference to, by breeders 402 to 435 

Shedding of mohair, reference to 218 

— At different seasons of the year 222 

— Sheep, reference to 224 

Sheep, receipts of, in Chicago for thirty-three years 158 

Sheep, and Angoras, will not interbreed 387 

Shelley, Dr. Chas. Edward, reference to goats' milk 290 

Shelter, necessity for. at times 384, 390 

— Economy in building 384 

— Opinions of breeders on 402 to 435 

Shepherd's outfit, cost of 272 

— Rations, cost of 272 

— Dogs, not always advisable to use 392 

Shin oak. reference to 370, 371 

Shivland & Thomas import Angoras into California 83 

Sires. Selection of 248 

Skins, description of Asiatic goat 28 

— Reference to, by Dr. M. Barrett 67 

—Used for rugs 127 

— Angora, how to prepare for market 147 ' 

— How they are graded 147 

• — Turkish, value of 147 

— Cape of Good Hope, value of 147 

— American value of 147 

—From the kid 147 

—Tariff on 166, 167 

— Largely used by furriers 148 

— Formula for dressing 485 

— Asiatic goats 169 

Sligo Furnace Co., reference to 343 

Smith. C. D., letter concerning Michigan 94 

Solomon, reference to 264 

Somerville. Lord, reference to 173 

Sore feet, reference to 380 

South Carolina, first to handle Angoras 52 

—Letter from Col. J. Wash. Watts 53 

South Africa, tax on exporting Angoras 106 

— Compared w ith the United States 115 

— Imports of mohair from 137, 138 



xxxii. Index. 

PAGE 

South African breeders, reference to buying bucks 260 

"Southern Central Agricuhural Association," report of committee.. 195 

"Southern Farmer," letter to, from Col. W. W. Haupt 211 

— Extract from 255 

Southgate, Bishop, reference to 205 

Spain, first introduction of Angoras into 34 

Smith, F. G., reference to clearing brush 362 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 414, 434 

Spofiford, Dr. F. A., reference to Dakota 93 

Spinning of mohair explained 129 

Standley, Dr. J. R., statement about his Angoras 336 

— Credit due, for introducing goats as brush cleaners 20 

—Reference to 336, 343, 348, 355 

— Purchase of the "Peters" goats 62 

— Paper from, on clearing brush 351 

— Reference to clearing brush 96 

— Reference to dipping for lice 383 

— Biographical sketch of 96 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 421, 433 

— Certificate of merit concerning mohair 101 

— In connection with American Angora Goat Breeders' Ass'n. . 446 

— Remarks on non-shedding Angoras 229 

"Standley" goats, reference to 336, 343 

Standard grades for mohair 141, 15S 

Staking kids, how it was done 397 

Sterne, Laurence, quotation from 394 

Stewart, D. C, & Sons, reference to 324 

Stewart, Henry, extract from 240 

Stump, Hon. J. B., reference to 85 

Stiles, Hon. W. H., reference to 50, 243 

"Stockman and Farmer," extract from 445 

Stockwell, Hon. J. W., letter about Massachusetts 297 

Sumac brush, reference to 355, 367, 370, 371 

Sulphur and lime 378, 383 

Sweet, Maj. W. E., reference to Asiatic scab 378 

Sumner Cashmere Co., experience of 68 

"Sumner (Tenn.) Flag," extract from 203 

Table showing increase of Angoras, by Sir Sam'l Wilson 112 

— Of mohair growing districts in Turkey 183 

—Of profits on 1,500 Mexican does 269 

—Of profits on 1,500 Angora does 270 

— Referring to shearing capacity of Angoras in United States, 308, 309 

Tabulated list of replies from breeders 433, 434, 435 



Index. 



XXXlll. 



PAGE 

Tanning the Angora goat skin 485 

Tape-worm, remedy for 379 

Tariff on Angoras, exported' from Cape Colony lOG, 1G4 

— Embargo on exporting from Turkey 36, 164 

— Reference to. as a means of encouraging the American industry, 131 

— On mohair at present time 161 

— General purpose of 163 

— On live goats 16-5 

— On goat skins 166 

— On goat skins, who are benefitted now 168 

— On Mexican goats and mohair, referred to by B. L. Crouch. . 406 

Tate. A. R.. reference to cleaning brush land 356 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 4"21, 433 

Tattooing, reference to 399 

Taylor, D. C. reference to 85 

— Remarks on non-shedding Angoras 22£i 

— Statement from, concerning his Angoras 33"2 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 419, 434 

Tchihatcheff, M., reference to cross-breeding in Turkey "216 

Teeth of the Angora goat 372 

Tennessee, obsers'ations on breeding in, by Col. R. Williamson 68 

— Opinion of Brig.-Gen. E. A. Paine 68 

— Reference to Angoras in, by Hon. I. H. Diehl 47, 68 

— Reference to area for goat raising 300 

— Opinion of W. G. Hughes as to advantages of 300 

Ternaux. Baron, reference to crossing the Cashmer and Angora .... 458 

Terms to be applied to Angoras "263 

Terrell, Mr., reference to 344 

Tessier, Mons., concerning Cashmere goats in France 458 

Texas, reference to Angoras in, by Hon. I. H. Diehl 47 

— Notes from breeders in 433 

— Estimated number of goats in 79 

Texas, West, advantages of, for goat raising 293 

— Rental of lands 293 

—Cost of landfe in 293 

— How to acquire lands in 294 

— Reference to brush land in 37(1 

"Texas Stockman and Farmer," extract from 445 

Thibet goat, reference to 188, 196, 197, 202, 203, 205, 206, 455 

Thistle, Canada, reference to 347. 361, 368 

Thistles, reference to 356, 361, 362, 366 

Thimbleberry brush, reference to 360 

Thomas & Cook, prominence in English mohair trade 13i) 

Thomas, Hon. Frances, concerning Alpacas 476 



xxxiv. Index. 

PAGE 

Thompson, John R., reference to 230 

TWtik, reference to 117, 

Tobacco and corrosive sublimate as a remedy for scab 378, 383 

Tom, Oscar, remarks on non-shedding Angoras 229 

"Tom" goats, 'reference to 323 

Tom, Oscar, statement about his Angora goats 324 

— Reference to clearing brush land 362 

— Notes from, on practical breeding -ti2, 433 

Tongue, Hon. Thos. H., reference to clearing brush 359 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 409, 433 

—Letter to. from Hon. H. S. Jev ett 445 

Toothless Angoras, reference to 373 

Top, reference to 143 

Tour de Aignes, M. de la, reference to 34, 244, 247 

Tournefort, M., report to French king about Angoras 34 

Tower, C. M., reference to Cashmere goats 456, 458 

Trapping wild animals 400 

Tschudi, reference to the Ibex 481 

Turkey, imports of mohair from, into England 137, 138 

Turkeyberry brush, reference to 351 

Tuberculosis, reference to 289 

Tuft in forehead, reference to 259 

Turkish system of grading mohair 142 

— Angora goat skns, value of 147 

— Angora goat skins, how prepared 147 

Tuthill, C. D., introduces first Angoras into Minnesota' 93 

— Reference to clearing brush land 368 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 425, 434 

Tuttle, Dr., statement concerning his Angoras 340 

— Reference to clearing brush land 366 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 427, 434 

Twin kids, reference to by breeders 402 to 435 

Tyson, Mr., on feeding Angora goats 155 

— Of Blair, Neb., on feeding Angoras 375 

United States, first introduction of Angoras 34, 45 

—Product of mohair in 104, 138 

— Advantages of climate 138 

• — Agricultural Society report on "Davis" goats 192 

— Number of Angora goals in 104 

Utah, reference to Angoras in 92 

— Reference to 302 

— Notes from breeders in 435 

Utrecht velvet, number of men employed in making 126 

— Largely used for United States railroad cars 128 



Index. . XXXV. 

PAGE 

Value of mohair, how lo determine 143 

Van Hosear, D. H., reference to 344 

Vat, for dipping Angoras, how to construct 393 

Venison, Angora, opinon concerning 35 

— As a salable product 154 

— Opinion of Dr. John Bachman 155 

— Superiority over common goat 158 

— Reference to term applied to meat 266 

Vermont, reference to Angoras in 95 

— Reference to area for goat raising 296 

Virginia, first Angoras introduced into 66 

— Reference of Dr. Hayes to Col. Herman Haupt 66 

— Observations of F. S. Fulmer 66 

— Observations of Dr. M Barnett 66 

— Reference to area in, for goat raising 299 

Wakeley's dip, reference to 411 

Walker, John, reference to breeding in Missouri 68, 113 

Walker, D. A., statement about his Angoras 324 

— Remarks on non-shedding Angorj.s 229 

— Reference to clearing brush 360 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 410, 433 

Walnut, reference to goats clearing 367 

Washington, reference to Angoras in 92 

— Reference to area for goats in 301, 302 

Water, influence of in developing animals 186 

— Very necessary for goats 389 

Water Oxen imported by Dr. Davis 206 

Watts, Col. J. Wash., reference to importation of Mr. Stiles 50 

— Letter from, concerning Angora industry 53 

— Reference to milch goats 287 

—Reference to Maltese goats 243, 244 

— Reference to clearing brush 369 

— Reference to breeding grade bucks 250 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 431, 435 

Watts, Hon. Frederick, reference to A-pacas 476 

Watts, John D., reference to 369 

Wattles, reference to 260 

Weeds, removal of, by Angoras 352, 355, 356, 367, 368 

"Weekly American Banner," of Yazoo, Miss., extract from 201 

Weiting, Hon. Chas. A., letter concerning land in New York 298 

Weistrand, E., statement about his Angoras 332 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 420, 434 

Wells, cost of digging, in New Mexico 421 



xxxvi. Index. 

PAGE 

West Virginia, reference to SOO 

Wether goats, experience of breeders in selling 402 to 435 

Wether, term applied to Angoras 265 

Wethers, hard to sell in large numbers 114 

White, Mrs. H. K., letter concerning Dr. Davis 45 

— Letter concerning "Davis" goats 198, 204 

Whitefire brush, reference to 366 

Wheat screenngs, as a feed for goats 374 

Weinaud, Mr., advocates export duty in South Africa 108 

Wilcox, A. G., reference to clearing brush 368 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 425, 434 

Wild animals, reference to 399 

— How to poison 400 

— Reference to, by breeders 404 to 435 

Wild cat, reference to 387, 399 

Wilder, James, remarks on non-shedding Angoras 229 

^Statement from, about his Angoras 328 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 418, 434 

Wild goat, reference to 241 

Williams, E. R., reference to clearing trush 362 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 418, 434 

Williams, S. S., remarks about Cashmere goats Q9 

— Reference to goats owned by 206 

Williamson, H. M., letter from about census of Angoras 105 

Williamson, Col. R., observations on breeding 68 

Williamson, Adams & Co. goats described 199 

Wilson, Hon. John, interest m.anifested in Angora industry 108 

Wilson, Sir Samuel, reference to Australia Ill 

— Estimate of increase in Australia 112 

—Reference to Cashmere goats 457 

— Opinion concerning improvement 459 

Wimmer, J. M., statement about his Angoras 331 

— Notes on practical breeding 414, 434 

Winter feeding, observatons of Col. Scott 64 

Witch hazel brush, reference to 351 

Withycombe, Dr., opinion on reported disease 380 

Wolf, reference to 387, 399 

Wood, C. B., reference to 344 

Woodward, N., statement about his Angcras 323 

— Reference to clearing brush 359 

— Notes on practical breeding 413, 433 

Woodlief, W. H., reference to 446 

Wool, system of selling criticised 152 

Worms in Angoras 379 



Index. xxxvii.- 

PAGE- 

— Screw 379 

— Tape 3(9 

— Remedy for tapeworm 379 • 

Woven-wire fencing 351, 368, 387 

Wyatt, Robt. H., statement about his Angoras 319 ' 

— Notes from, on practical breeding 402, 433 

Wyoming, reference to Angoras in 92 

— Reference to 294- 

— Notes from breeders in ... 434 

Yarn, mohair, chief use of 129 

Young, Brigham, introduces Angoras into Utah 92 

Young, J. K., notes from, on practical breeding 430, 435 

Zinoleum dip, reference to 427 

Zwart Ruggens Association opposes export tax in South Africa 106 



